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The CPT® Code 78020 refers to the procedure of assessing thyroid carcinoma metastases through uptake measurements. This procedure is specifically designed to evaluate the functionality of metastatic disease within the thyroid. During the thyroid uptake process, healthcare professionals may conduct single or multiple measurements to ascertain the extent to which iodine is absorbed by the metastatic tissues and the rate of absorption. The procedure involves the administration of radioactive iodine isotopes, such as I-123 or I-131, which can be given orally in either liquid or capsule form. This administration typically occurs approximately four hours prior to the imaging phase of the procedure. Following the administration of the radioactive material, a stationary probe is strategically placed over the area where the metastatic disease is located, allowing for the capture of detailed images. These images are subsequently analyzed by a physician, who provides a written interpretation of the findings, contributing to the overall assessment and management of the patient's condition.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 78020 is indicated for the evaluation of thyroid carcinoma metastases. It is specifically performed to assess the functionality of metastatic disease within the thyroid gland. The following conditions may warrant the use of this procedure:
The procedure for CPT® Code 78020 involves several critical steps to ensure accurate assessment of thyroid carcinoma metastases. The following outlines the procedural steps:
Post-procedure care for patients undergoing the thyroid uptake assessment typically involves monitoring for any immediate reactions to the radioactive iodine administered. Patients may be advised to maintain hydration to facilitate the elimination of the radioactive material from their system. Additionally, the physician will provide follow-up instructions based on the interpretation of the imaging results, which may include further diagnostic testing or treatment options depending on the findings related to the metastatic disease.
| Short Descr | THYROID MET UPTAKE | Medium Descr | THYROID CARCINOMA METASTASES UPTAKE | Long Descr | Thyroid carcinoma metastases uptake (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service | 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 | Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates | ASC Payment Indicator | Packaged service/item; no separate payment made. | 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 |
This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.
| 78018 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC S ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Thyroid carcinoma metastases imaging; whole body |
| 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. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | MH | Unknown if ordering professional consulted a clinical decision support mechanism for this service, related information was not provided to the furnishing professional or provider | 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 | 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 | Ordering professional consulted a qualified clinical decision support mechanism for this service and the related data was provided to the furnishing professional | 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. | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | MB | Ordering professional is not required to consult a clinical decision support mechanism due to the significant hardship exception of insufficient internet access | MC | Ordering professional is not required to consult a clinical decision support mechanism due to the significant hardship exception of electronic health record or clinical decision support mechanism vendor issues | ME | The order for this service adheres to appropriate use criteria in the 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 |
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| 1999-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1999. |
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