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Myocardial imaging, specifically referred to by CPT® Code 78466, involves the use of advanced imaging techniques to evaluate the heart's condition, particularly focusing on areas of cardiac muscle that may have been damaged due to scarring or infarction. This procedure utilizes 2-dimensional planar views obtained from a scintigraphy camera, which captures images of the heart after the administration of a radiolabeled isotope tracer. The primary purpose of this imaging is to document the extent of cardiac muscle damage and assess the functionality of the coronary arteries. The radiolabeled isotope tracer is crucial as it can reveal cardiac muscle damage as early as 12 to 24 hours following an acute myocardial infarction, and the effects of the tracer may remain detectable for up to one week. This imaging technique not only helps in identifying damaged areas but also allows for the monitoring of the heart's ejection fraction through a first pass technique, which is essential for evaluating coronary artery function. During the procedure, the patient is positioned on an imaging table with the gamma camera placed over the anterior chest. An intravenous line is established to facilitate the injection of the radiolabeled isotope tracer directly into the bloodstream. Following the injection, scanning occurs at predetermined intervals, during which the radioactive energy emitted from the tracer is converted into detailed images of the heart. The results from this imaging can provide qualitative and quantitative assessments of the size of the myocardial infarction and the viability of surrounding muscle tissue, which are critical for determining the patient's prognosis and guiding appropriate treatment or intervention strategies. The physician is responsible for interpreting the imaging study and generating a comprehensive written report that outlines the findings.
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Myocardial imaging using CPT® Code 78466 is indicated for the evaluation of various cardiac conditions, particularly in the following scenarios:
The procedure for myocardial imaging under CPT® Code 78466 involves several critical steps that ensure accurate imaging and assessment of cardiac function:
Post-procedure care for patients undergoing myocardial imaging with CPT® Code 78466 typically involves monitoring for any immediate reactions to the radiolabeled isotope tracer. Patients may be advised to hydrate adequately to help flush the tracer from their system. The physician will interpret the imaging results and provide a written report detailing the findings, which will be used to guide further treatment or intervention as necessary. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the results and any additional steps required based on the imaging outcomes.
| Short Descr | HEART INFARCT IMAGE | Medium Descr | MYOCARDIAL IMAGING INFARCT AVID PLANAR QUAL/QUAN | Long Descr | Myocardial imaging, infarct avid, planar; qualitative or quantitative | 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) | 6 - Special payment adjustment rules on the technical component (TC) of multiple diagnostic cardiovascular services 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 | 210 - Other radioisotope scan |
| 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 | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | ME | The order for this service adheres to appropriate use criteria in the clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional | MF | The order for this service does not adhere to the appropriate use criteria in the clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional | 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 |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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