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Myocardial imaging, specifically using the CPT® Code 78468, refers to a diagnostic procedure that employs 2-dimensional planar views obtained from a scintigraphy camera in conjunction with a radiolabeled isotope tracer. This imaging technique is primarily utilized to identify and document areas of cardiac muscle scarring or infarction, as well as to evaluate the function of the coronary arteries. The radiolabeled isotope tracer plays a crucial role in this process, as it can effectively highlight cardiac muscle damage that may occur 12 to 24 hours following an acute myocardial infarction, and it can remain detectable for up to one week. This capability is essential for assessing the extent of myocardial injury and guiding subsequent clinical decisions. In addition to identifying damaged areas, the procedure also involves monitoring the ejection fraction of the heart's ventricles using a first pass technique. This technique is significant as it provides insights into coronary artery function, which is vital for determining the overall health of the heart. During the procedure, the patient is positioned on an imaging table with the gamma camera strategically placed over the anterior chest. An intravenous line is established to facilitate the injection of the radiolabeled isotope tracer directly into the circulatory system. Following the injection, scanning is conducted at predetermined intervals, during which the radioactive energy emitted from the tracer is captured and converted into detailed images. The interpretation of these images is performed by a physician, who subsequently generates a comprehensive written report detailing the findings. This report is critical for assessing the size of any myocardial infarction and the viability of surrounding muscle tissue, which can inform prognosis and guide treatment options. Overall, CPT® Code 78468 encompasses a sophisticated imaging process that is integral to the evaluation of cardiac health and the management of coronary artery disease.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 78468 is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for CPT® Code 78468 involves several critical steps that ensure accurate myocardial imaging and assessment of ejection fraction:
Post-procedure care for patients undergoing myocardial imaging with CPT® Code 78468 typically involves monitoring for any immediate reactions to the radiolabeled isotope tracer. Patients may be advised to hydrate adequately to facilitate the elimination of the tracer from their system. Additionally, the physician will review the findings from the imaging study with the patient, discussing any necessary follow-up actions or treatments based on the results. It is important for patients to understand the implications of the findings and to adhere to any recommended follow-up appointments or additional testing as needed.
| Short Descr | HEART INFARCT IMAGE (EF) | Medium Descr | MYOCRD IMG INFARCT AVID PLNR EJEC FXJ 1ST PS TQ | Long Descr | Myocardial imaging, infarct avid, planar; with ejection fraction by first pass technique | 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 | 209 - Radioisotope scan and function studies |
| 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 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. | 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. | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | 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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