CPT® Code 78320

Deleted

1. Indications

The procedure of bone and/or joint imaging using SPECT is indicated for patients presenting with specific symptoms or conditions that warrant further investigation. These indications include:

• Unexplained Skeletal Pain Patients who experience persistent or unexplained pain in the skeletal system may require this imaging to identify potential underlying causes.
• Suspected Bone Loss Individuals with symptoms suggestive of osteoporosis or other conditions leading to bone density reduction may benefit from this imaging technique.
• Infection The procedure is indicated when there is a suspicion of infection within the bones or joints, which may not be visible through traditional imaging methods.
• Inflammation Patients exhibiting signs of inflammation in the skeletal system may require SPECT imaging to assess the extent and nature of the inflammatory process.
• Injury Following trauma, if traditional imaging fails to provide a clear diagnosis, SPECT can help in evaluating the extent of injury to bones or joints.

2. Procedure

The procedure for bone and/or joint imaging using SPECT involves several critical steps to ensure accurate imaging and diagnosis. These steps include:

• Establishment of Intravenous Access An intravenous line is established to facilitate the administration of the radiolabeled isotope tracer directly into the patient's circulatory system. This step is essential for ensuring that the tracer is effectively delivered for optimal imaging results.
• Injection of Radiolabeled Isotope Tracer The radiolabeled isotope tracer is injected through the established intravenous line. This tracer is crucial for highlighting areas of interest within the skeletal system during imaging.
• Preparation of White Blood Cells (if inflammation is suspected) In cases where inflammation is suspected, a blood sample is drawn from the patient. This sample is then centrifuged to separate the white blood cells (WBCs). The WBCs are subsequently tagged with radioactive calcium, which enhances their visibility during imaging.
• Reintroduction of Tagged WBCs After tagging, the radioactive WBCs are injected back into the patient. This step allows for targeted imaging of areas where inflammation may be present.
• Imaging Procedure After a prescribed waiting period to allow for the distribution of the tracer, the patient is positioned on the imaging table. One or more gamma cameras then rotate around the body, capturing images that will be used to create a 3-dimensional representation of the targeted area.
• Interpretation of Images Following the imaging process, the physician interprets the resulting images and compiles a written report detailing the findings of the bone and/or joint imaging study. This report is essential for guiding further clinical decision-making.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the SPECT imaging procedure, patients may be monitored briefly to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions to the radiolabeled tracer. There are typically no specific post-procedure care requirements, and patients can usually resume normal activities unless otherwise instructed by their physician. The results of the imaging study will be communicated to the patient during a follow-up appointment, where the physician will discuss the findings and any necessary next steps based on the results.