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CPT®
78464

CPT® Code 78464
Deleted

Official Description

Myocardial perfusion imaging; tomographic (SPECT), single study (including attenuation correction when performed), at rest or stress (exercise and/or pharmacologic), with or without quantification

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Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 78464 refers to myocardial perfusion imaging using tomographic techniques, specifically Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT). This imaging procedure is designed to assess the blood flow to the heart muscle, which is crucial for diagnosing various cardiac conditions. During the procedure, a radioactive tracer is injected into the patient, which accumulates in areas of the heart that may not be receiving adequate blood supply. This accumulation indicates regions of the heart that are not functioning properly during the cardiac cycle. The SPECT camera captures these images, providing a detailed view of the heart's perfusion status. The imaging can be performed either at rest or during stress, which may be induced through exercise or pharmacologic agents. The inclusion of attenuation correction, when performed, enhances the accuracy of the images by compensating for any interference caused by surrounding tissues. This comprehensive approach allows physicians to evaluate the heart's function and identify potential issues related to coronary artery disease or other cardiac conditions.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The myocardial perfusion imaging procedure coded as CPT® 78464 is indicated for various clinical scenarios where assessment of cardiac blood flow is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this imaging study:

  • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) - To evaluate the presence and extent of ischemia due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries.
  • Chest Pain - To investigate the cause of unexplained chest pain that may suggest underlying heart issues.
  • Heart Failure - To assess myocardial perfusion in patients with heart failure symptoms to guide treatment decisions.
  • Preoperative Assessment - To evaluate cardiac risk in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery, especially in those with known heart disease or risk factors.
  • Post-Myocardial Infarction Evaluation - To assess the viability of heart muscle after a heart attack and determine the need for further intervention.

2. Procedure

The procedure for myocardial perfusion imaging using CPT® 78464 involves several key steps to ensure accurate assessment of cardiac function. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation - The patient is prepared for the procedure, which may include fasting and avoiding certain medications that could affect heart rate or blood flow. The physician explains the procedure and obtains informed consent.
  • Step 2: Injection 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: Stress Induction (if applicable) - If the test is performed under stress conditions, the patient may be asked to exercise on a treadmill or receive a pharmacologic agent to increase heart rate. This step is crucial for evaluating the heart's performance under stress.
  • Step 4: Imaging Acquisition - After the tracer has had time to circulate, the SPECT camera is used to capture images of the heart. The camera rotates around the patient, creating detailed tomographic images that provide a three-dimensional view of the heart's perfusion.
  • Step 5: Attenuation Correction (if performed) - If attenuation correction is indicated, additional processing is applied to the images to account for any interference from surrounding tissues, enhancing the clarity and accuracy of the results.

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. Patients may resume normal activities unless otherwise instructed by their physician. The results of the imaging study will be analyzed, and the physician will discuss the findings with the patient during a follow-up appointment. It is important for patients to stay hydrated and follow any specific post-procedure instructions provided by the healthcare team. Additionally, patients should be informed about the potential side effects of the radioactive tracer, although serious complications are rare.
Short Descr HEART IMAGE (3D), SINGLE
Medium Descr HEART IMAGE (3D), SINGLE
Long Descr MYOCRD PRFUJ IMG TOMOG SPECT 1 STD
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
Date
Action
Notes
2010-01-01 Deleted -
2005-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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