© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The CPT® Code 78000 refers to a diagnostic procedure known as thyroid uptake, specifically a single determination. This procedure involves the introduction of radioactive iodine isotopes into the patient's body, which allows for the assessment of the thyroid gland's ability to absorb iodine. The thyroid gland, located in the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and overall hormonal balance in the body. By measuring how quickly the iodine is absorbed, healthcare providers can gain valuable insights into the functioning of the thyroid. This single determination is essential for diagnosing various thyroid conditions, including hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. It is important to note that if multiple determinations of iodine absorption are required, CPT® Code 78001 should be used. Additionally, if the test is conducted after administering a hormone to enhance iodine uptake, CPT® Code 78003 is applicable. Understanding these distinctions is vital for accurate coding and billing in medical practice.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The thyroid uptake procedure is indicated for various clinical scenarios where assessment of thyroid function is necessary. The following conditions may warrant the use of this procedure:
The thyroid uptake procedure involves several key steps to ensure accurate measurement of iodine absorption by the thyroid gland. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the thyroid uptake procedure, the patient may be monitored for any immediate reactions to the radioactive iodine. It is generally advised that patients drink plenty of fluids to help flush the radioactive material from their system. The healthcare provider will discuss any specific post-procedure care instructions, including potential side effects and when to expect results. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the findings and any necessary further evaluations or treatments based on the results of the uptake test.
| Short Descr | THYROID SINGLE UPTAKE | Medium Descr | THYROID UPTAKE SINGLE DETERMINATION | Long Descr | Thyroid uptake; single determination | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Discontinued Code | Type of Service (TOS) | 4 - Diagnostic Radiology | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | Not applicable/unspecified. | CCS Clinical Classification | 209 - Radioisotope scan and function studies |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.