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A nuclear medicine study, specifically CPT® Code 78016, is utilized to assess the presence and extent of metastatic disease related to thyroid carcinoma. This procedure involves the administration of radioactive iodine isotopes, commonly known as radioactive tracers, which can be given either orally in liquid or capsule form or intravenously. The method of administration dictates the timing of the imaging procedure; if the tracer is taken orally, imaging occurs several hours to 24 hours later, allowing sufficient time for the tracer to localize in the tissues. Conversely, if administered intravenously, imaging is conducted approximately 30 minutes post-injection. The radioactive isotopes emit gamma rays, which are captured by a gamma camera. This camera, in conjunction with computer processing, generates images that are displayed on a screen for analysis. In the context of CPT® Code 78016, the imaging focuses on a limited area, typically the neck and chest, to identify any metastatic sites. The gamma camera scans the designated region, tracking the distribution and uptake of the radioactive tracer. If metastatic disease is present, the scanner will reveal how these sites interact with the radioactive material. The resulting gamma images are processed and reviewed by a physician, who then compiles a written report detailing the findings. Additionally, CPT® Code 78016 includes the performance of supplementary studies, such as urinary recovery, to enhance the evaluation of the patient's condition. This procedure is part of a broader diagnostic framework that may also involve whole body surveys, as indicated by related codes such as CPT® Code 78018.
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The nuclear medicine study represented by CPT® Code 78016 is indicated for the evaluation of thyroid carcinoma metastases. This procedure is performed to determine the site(s) and extent of metastatic disease in patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The following conditions may warrant the use of this imaging study:
The procedure for CPT® Code 78016 involves several key steps to ensure accurate imaging of thyroid carcinoma metastases:
After the completion of the imaging procedure associated with CPT® Code 78016, patients may be advised to follow specific post-procedure care instructions. While no extensive recovery is typically required, patients may be monitored for any immediate reactions to the radioactive tracer. It is essential for patients to stay hydrated, especially if urinary recovery studies were performed, to facilitate the elimination of the radioactive material from their system. The physician will provide guidance on any necessary follow-up appointments to discuss the results of the imaging study and any further diagnostic or therapeutic steps that may be indicated based on the findings.
| Short Descr | THYROID MET IMAGING/STUDIES | Medium Descr | THYROID CARCINOMA METASTASES IMG ADDL STUDY | Long Descr | Thyroid carcinoma metastases imaging; with additional studies (eg, urinary recovery) | 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. | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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