How To Use CPT Code 78610

CPT 78610 describes the use of brain imaging to evaluate the blood supply in the brain. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 78610?

CPT 78610 is used to describe a diagnostic nuclear medicine procedure that evaluates the blood flow to the brain. In this procedure, a gamma-emitting radioactive tracer is injected into the patient’s bloodstream. The tracer, which is created by applying a radioactive atom to glucose, travels to the brain and emits gamma rays. A special device called a scintillation or gamma camera is used to detect these gamma rays, and a computer generates images of the brain based on the data collected. This code specifically applies to brain imaging for vascular flow only.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 78610 is: ‘Brain imaging, vascular flow only.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider injects a radioactive tracer or radionuclide into the patient’s bloodstream.
2. The radionuclide travels to the brain, emitting gamma rays.
3. A scintillation or gamma camera detects the gamma rays given off by the radioactive substance.
4. A computer uses the data collected to generate images of the brain, specifically evaluating the vascular flow.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 78610 is used when brain imaging is performed to evaluate the blood supply in the brain. It is typically used to diagnose and manage diseases related to vascular flow in the brain. This procedure is performed by providers trained in nuclear medicine imaging.

5. When to use CPT code 78610

CPT code 78610 should be used when brain imaging is performed specifically to evaluate the vascular flow in the brain. It is important to note that this code is not appropriate for other types of brain imaging procedures that do not focus on vascular flow.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 78610, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the brain imaging procedure
• Details of the radioactive tracer or radionuclide used
• Date and time of the procedure
• Specific findings related to the vascular flow in the brain
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 78610, ensure that the procedure is performed by a provider trained in nuclear medicine imaging. It is important to follow payer guidelines and append the appropriate modifiers, such as modifier 26 for the professional component or modifier TC for the technical component, if applicable. If reporting a global service where one provider performs both the professional and technical components, modifiers may not be necessary. It is also important to consider payer policies regarding the reporting of radiopharmaceutical substances separately.

8. Historical information

CPT 78610 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes brain imaging with CPT code 78610 to evaluate the blood flow in the brain after experiencing recurrent strokes.
2. A provider performs brain imaging using CPT code 78610 to assess the vascular flow in the brain of a patient with suspected cerebrovascular disease.
3. CPT code 78610 is used for brain imaging to evaluate the blood supply in the brain of a patient with a history of aneurysms.
4. A provider orders brain imaging with CPT code 78610 to assess the vascular flow in the brain of a patient with suspected arteriovenous malformation.
5. A patient undergoes brain imaging using CPT code 78610 to evaluate the blood flow in the brain after experiencing a traumatic brain injury.
6. CPT code 78610 is used for brain imaging to assess the vascular flow in the brain of a patient with suspected vasculitis.
7. A provider performs brain imaging with CPT code 78610 to evaluate the blood supply in the brain of a patient with suspected Moyamoya disease.
8. A patient undergoes brain imaging using CPT code 78610 to assess the vascular flow in the brain after experiencing transient ischemic attacks.
9. CPT code 78610 is used for brain imaging to evaluate the blood flow in the brain of a patient with suspected intracranial stenosis.
10. A provider orders brain imaging with CPT code 78610 to assess the vascular flow in the brain of a patient with suspected cerebral vasospasm.