How To Use CPT Code 78660

CPT 78660 describes the procedure for radiopharmaceutical dacryocystography, which involves diagnostic nuclear imaging of the lacrimal system. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 78660?

CPT 78660 can be used to describe the procedure for radiopharmaceutical dacryocystography. This involves the use of a radioactive tracer that is introduced into the eye to track the distribution of a substance within the lacrimal system. The provider then uses a gamma camera to take scans and identify the site of any obstructions in the tear duct.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 78660 is: ‘Radiopharmaceutical dacryocystography, diagnostic; lacrimal system.’

3. Procedure

1. In this procedure, the provider instills a few drops of a radiopharmaceutical tracer in the inner eye.
2. Using a gamma camera, the provider takes scans as the tracer passes through the lacrimal or tear duct.
3. The goal of this procedure is to localize the exact site of any obstructions in the lacrimal system.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 78660 is performed when there is a need to diagnose and localize obstructions in the lacrimal system. It is typically used when other diagnostic methods have not provided sufficient information. The procedure is performed by a provider who is trained in nuclear medicine imaging and has the necessary equipment, such as a gamma camera, to perform the scans.

5. When to use CPT code 78660

CPT code 78660 should be used when there is a need to perform radiopharmaceutical dacryocystography to diagnose and localize obstructions in the lacrimal system. It is important to ensure that the provider is qualified and has the necessary equipment to perform the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 78660, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for performing radiopharmaceutical dacryocystography
• Details of the radiopharmaceutical tracer used
• Date and time of the procedure
• Scans taken and any findings or observations
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 78660, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified provider and that the necessary equipment, such as a gamma camera, is used. It is important to follow payer policies regarding the reporting of radiopharmaceutical substances separately, and to use the appropriate modifiers (such as modifier 26 for professional component or modifier TC for technical component) if applicable.

8. Historical information

CPT 78660 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 provider performs radiopharmaceutical dacryocystography to diagnose and localize an obstruction in the lacrimal system of a patient with chronic tearing.
2. A patient presents with recurrent eye infections, and the provider uses radiopharmaceutical dacryocystography to identify any obstructions in the tear ducts.
3. A provider performs radiopharmaceutical dacryocystography to evaluate a patient with a history of tear duct surgery and persistent tearing.
4. A patient with a suspected lacrimal system obstruction undergoes radiopharmaceutical dacryocystography to determine the exact location of the obstruction.
5. A provider uses radiopharmaceutical dacryocystography to assess the effectiveness of a previous lacrimal system surgery in a patient with persistent tearing.
6. Radiopharmaceutical dacryocystography is performed on a patient with a history of trauma to the eye to identify any obstructions in the lacrimal system.
7. A provider uses radiopharmaceutical dacryocystography to evaluate a patient with recurrent eye infections and suspected lacrimal system abnormalities.
8. A patient with chronic tearing undergoes radiopharmaceutical dacryocystography to determine the cause of the symptoms.
9. A provider performs radiopharmaceutical dacryocystography on a patient with a history of lacrimal system surgery to assess the function and patency of the tear ducts.
10. Radiopharmaceutical dacryocystography is performed on a patient with persistent tearing and suspected lacrimal system obstructions.