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CPT®
78460

CPT® Code 78460
Deleted

Official Description

Myocardial perfusion imaging; (planar) single study, at rest or stress (exercise and/or pharmacologic), with or without quantification

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 78460 refers to myocardial perfusion imaging, specifically a planar single study conducted either at rest or during stress, which may involve exercise or pharmacologic agents. This imaging technique is utilized to assess the blood flow to the heart muscle, providing critical information about the heart's function and identifying areas that may not be receiving adequate blood supply. During the procedure, a physician administers a radioactive tracer, which is a substance that emits radiation and is used to visualize the heart's perfusion. The tracer accumulates in regions of the heart that are not functioning properly, allowing for the identification of ischemic areas. A specialized camera captures images of the heart, highlighting the distribution of the radioactive material. In some cases, the physician may opt to have the patient engage in physical exercise, such as walking on a treadmill, to elevate the heart rate, which can enhance the diagnostic accuracy of the test. If a second dose of the radioactive material is required after the heart rate has been increased, the appropriate code to use would be 78461. This procedure is essential for diagnosing various cardiac conditions, including coronary artery disease, and helps guide treatment decisions.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The myocardial perfusion imaging procedure coded as CPT® 78460 is indicated for several clinical scenarios where assessment of heart function is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this imaging study:

  • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) - This condition involves the narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries, which can lead to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
  • Chest Pain - Patients presenting with unexplained chest pain may undergo this test to determine if the pain is related to inadequate blood supply to the heart.
  • Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) - Following a heart attack, this imaging can help assess the extent of damage to the heart muscle and evaluate blood flow.
  • Heart Failure - In cases of heart failure, this test can provide insights into the heart's pumping ability and perfusion status.
  • Preoperative Assessment - Patients undergoing major surgery may require this imaging to evaluate cardiac risk prior to the procedure.

2. Procedure

The procedure for myocardial perfusion imaging using CPT® 78460 involves several key steps that ensure accurate assessment of the heart's blood flow. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation - Prior to the procedure, the patient is prepared by explaining the process and obtaining informed consent. The patient may be instructed to avoid certain medications or foods that could affect heart rate or blood flow.
  • Step 2: Administration of Radioactive Tracer - A radioactive substance is injected into the patient's bloodstream. This tracer is designed to accumulate in the heart muscle, particularly in areas with reduced blood flow.
  • Step 3: Imaging at Rest - Initial images of the heart are captured while the patient is at rest. A specialized camera detects the radiation emitted by the tracer, allowing for visualization of blood flow to the heart muscle.
  • Step 4: Stress Induction - If indicated, the patient may be subjected to a stress test, which can involve physical exercise on a treadmill or the administration of pharmacologic agents that simulate exercise by increasing heart rate.
  • Step 5: Imaging During Stress - After the heart rate has been elevated, additional images are taken to assess how blood flow to the heart changes under stress conditions. This comparison between rest and stress images is crucial for diagnosing potential ischemia.

3. Post-Procedure

After the myocardial perfusion imaging procedure, patients are typically monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions to the radioactive tracer or stress test. It is common for patients to resume normal activities shortly after the procedure, although they may be advised to hydrate well to help flush the radioactive material from their system. The physician will review the imaging results and discuss any findings with the patient, which may lead to further diagnostic testing or treatment options based on the results of the study.
Short Descr HEART MUSCLE BLOOD, SINGLE
Medium Descr HEART MUSCLE BLOOD, SINGLE
Long Descr MYOCRD PRFUJ IMG PLNR 1 STD REST/STRS
APC Status Indicator Significant Procedure, Not Discounted When Multiple
Type of Service (TOS) 4 - Diagnostic Radiology
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 210 - Other radioisotope scan
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2010-01-01 Deleted -
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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