How To Use CPT Code 78701

CPT 78701 describes the procedure for a kidney scan, a nuclear medicine test used to evaluate the structure and blood flow to the kidneys. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 78701?

CPT 78701 is used to describe the procedure for a kidney scan, a nuclear medicine test that evaluates the structure and blood flow to the kidneys. This test can be performed in two ways: a cortical scan, which assesses the shape of the kidneys, and a functional scan, which measures the time it takes for a radionuclide to pass through the kidneys and collect in the urine.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 78701 is: ‘Kidney imaging morphology; with vascular flow.’

3. Procedure

1. A radionuclide is injected into the patient’s vein.
2. The radionuclide travels through the bloodstream and into the kidneys.
3. The radionuclide flows through the blood vessels in the kidneys and is excreted into the urine.
4. A gamma camera is used to take pictures of the radionuclide in the kidneys.
5. The images obtained help detect anatomical abnormalities, such as position, size, shape, and any stricture or obstruction in the blood vessels.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 78701 is performed on patients who require an evaluation of the structure and blood flow to their kidneys. This procedure is useful in detecting congenital or acquired anatomical abnormalities, as well as any stricture or obstruction in the blood vessels. It is typically performed by a nuclear medicine technologist or a radiologist.

5. When to use CPT code 78701

CPT code 78701 should be used when a kidney scan is performed to evaluate the structure and blood flow to the kidneys. It is important to note that this code specifically describes the imaging of the kidneys and their vascular flow. If the procedure involves additional imaging or evaluation of other organs, separate codes should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 78701, the following documentation is required:

• Indication for the kidney scan
• Details of the procedure performed, including whether it was a cortical scan or a functional scan
• Date and time of the procedure
• Images obtained during the scan
• Any anatomical abnormalities or findings observed
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 78701, ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the official description of the code. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure and any additional findings. CPT code 78701 should not be reported with other codes unless additional imaging or evaluation of other organs is performed.

8. Historical information

CPT 78701 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was later changed on January 1, 2007, to specify kidney imaging morphology with vascular flow.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a kidney scan to evaluate the structure and blood flow to their kidneys. The images obtained reveal a congenital abnormality in the shape of the kidneys.
2. A cortical scan is performed on a patient to assess the position and size of their kidneys. The images obtained show no anatomical abnormalities.
3. A functional scan is conducted on a patient to measure the time it takes for a radionuclide to pass through their kidneys and collect in the urine. The results indicate normal kidney function.
4. A kidney scan is performed on a patient with suspected renal artery stenosis. The images obtained help identify the presence of a stricture in the blood vessels.
5. A patient undergoes a kidney scan to evaluate the blood flow to their kidneys after a kidney transplant. The images obtained show normal vascular flow.