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A nuclear medicine study, identified by CPT® Code 78015, is specifically designed to assess the presence and extent of metastatic disease related to thyroid carcinoma. This imaging procedure utilizes radioactive iodine isotopes, commonly known as radioactive tracers, which can be administered either orally or intravenously. When the tracer is given orally, the imaging is conducted several hours later, allowing time for the tracer to circulate and accumulate in the body. In contrast, if the tracer is administered intravenously, the imaging occurs approximately 30 minutes post-administration. The fundamental principle behind this imaging technique is the detection of gamma rays emitted by the radioactive isotopes, which are captured by a gamma camera. This camera, in conjunction with computer processing, generates images that reveal the distribution of the radioactive material within the body. In the context of CPT® Code 78015, the focus is on a limited area, typically encompassing the neck and chest, where potential metastatic sites are evaluated. The gamma camera scans the specified region, tracking how the metastatic sites interact with the radioactive isotope. The resulting gamma images are processed and displayed on a computer screen for analysis. A physician subsequently reviews these images and compiles a written report detailing the findings of the study.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 78015 is indicated for the evaluation of thyroid carcinoma metastases. It is specifically performed to identify the site(s) and extent of metastatic disease in patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The imaging is particularly relevant for assessing potential spread to nearby structures in the neck and chest regions.
The procedure for CPT® Code 78015 involves several key steps that ensure accurate imaging of the thyroid carcinoma metastases. First, the patient is administered a radioactive iodine isotope, which can be given either orally or intravenously. If the oral route is chosen, the patient receives the radioactive tracer in liquid or capsule form, and the imaging is scheduled to occur several hours to 24 hours later, allowing adequate time for the tracer to be absorbed and distributed throughout the body. Conversely, if the tracer is administered intravenously, the imaging is performed approximately 30 minutes after administration, as the tracer quickly circulates through the bloodstream.
Post-procedure care for patients undergoing the imaging study associated with CPT® Code 78015 typically involves monitoring for any immediate reactions to the radioactive tracer, although serious side effects are rare. Patients may be advised to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the radioactive material from their system. Additionally, the physician will discuss the findings from the imaging study during a follow-up appointment, where further management or treatment options may be considered based on the results. It is important for patients to adhere to any specific instructions provided by their healthcare provider regarding post-procedure care and follow-up evaluations.
| Short Descr | THYROID MET IMAGING | Medium Descr | THYROID CARCINOMA METASTASES IMG LMTD AREA | Long Descr | Thyroid carcinoma metastases imaging; limited area (eg, neck and chest only) | 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 | Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple | ASC Payment Indicator | Radiology service paid separately when provided integral to a surgical procedure on ASC list; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 4 - Diagnostic Radiology | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | I1E - Standard imaging - nuclear medicine | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 209 - Radioisotope scan and function studies |
| 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | MG | The order for this service does not have applicable appropriate use criteria in the qualified clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional | TC | Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles | X5 | Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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