How To Use CPT Code 78700

CPT 78700 describes the imaging study of the kidney to evaluate its anatomical structure and function, as well as blood flow to the kidneys. 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 78700?

CPT 78700 can be used to describe a nuclear medicine test that evaluates the anatomical structure and function of the kidneys, as well as blood flow to the kidneys. This code is used when a gamma camera is used to take pictures of a radionuclide in the kidneys, which helps detect any anatomical abnormalities that may be congenital or acquired.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 78700 is: ‘Kidney scan: A nuclear medicine test that is used to evaluate the anatomical structure and function of the kidneys as well as blood flow to the kidneys.’

3. Procedure

1. A radionuclide is injected into the vein, which travels through the bloodstream and into the kidneys.
2. The radionuclide flows through different structures of the kidney and is excreted into the urine.
3. A gamma camera is used to take pictures of the radionuclide in the kidneys.
4. The images obtained are useful in detecting anatomical abnormalities, such as position, size, and shape, that may be congenital or acquired.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 78700 services are those who require an imaging study of the kidney to identify structural abnormalities. This test is performed to evaluate the anatomical structure and function of the kidneys, as well as blood flow to the kidneys. It is typically ordered when there is a suspicion of congenital or acquired abnormalities in the kidneys.

5. When to use CPT code 78700

CPT code 78700 should be used when a nuclear medicine test is performed to evaluate the anatomical structure and function of the kidneys, as well as blood flow to the kidneys. It is appropriate to bill this code when a gamma camera is used to take pictures of the radionuclide in the kidneys to detect any anatomical abnormalities.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 78700, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Reason for the kidney scan and the need to evaluate the anatomical structure and function of the kidneys
• Details of the radionuclide used and its administration
• Date and time of the procedure
• Images obtained during the scan
• Any anatomical abnormalities detected
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing or interpreting the scan

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 78700, ensure that the nuclear medicine test is performed to evaluate the anatomical structure and function of the kidneys, as well as blood flow to the kidneys. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 78700 with other codes. However, it is important to follow any payer-specific guidelines and documentation requirements.

8. Historical information

CPT 78700 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been historical changes to the code, including code changes in 2007 and 2010, which modified the description of the code.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a kidney scan to evaluate the anatomical structure and function of their kidneys, as well as blood flow to the kidneys, due to suspected congenital abnormalities.
2. A healthcare professional performs a kidney scan on a patient to assess any acquired anatomical abnormalities in the kidneys.
3. A gamma camera is used to take pictures of a radionuclide in the kidneys of a patient to detect any abnormalities in their anatomical structure and function.
4. A kidney scan is performed on a patient to evaluate blood flow to the kidneys and identify any abnormalities in their anatomical structure.
5. A healthcare professional orders a kidney scan to assess the function and blood flow to the kidneys of a patient with suspected renal abnormalities.
6. A patient undergoes a kidney scan to evaluate the anatomical structure and function of their kidneys, as well as blood flow to the kidneys, following a kidney transplant.
7. A gamma camera is used to obtain images of a radionuclide in the kidneys of a patient to assess their anatomical structure and function after a traumatic injury.
8. A healthcare professional performs a kidney scan on a patient to evaluate the blood flow to their kidneys and identify any anatomical abnormalities that may be causing their symptoms.
9. A kidney scan is performed on a patient to assess the function and blood flow to their kidneys as part of a preoperative evaluation.
10. A gamma camera is used to take pictures of a radionuclide in the kidneys of a patient to evaluate their anatomical structure and function following a course of treatment.