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CPT®
78478

CPT® Code 78478
Deleted

Deleted code, see 78451-78454

Official Description

Myocardial perfusion study with wall motion, qualitative or quantitative study (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 78478 refers to a myocardial perfusion study that includes an assessment of wall motion, which can be either qualitative or quantitative. This procedure is performed to evaluate the blood flow to the heart muscle, particularly the left ventricle, which is crucial for diagnosing various cardiac conditions. During the study, a physician administers a radioactive tracer into the patient's bloodstream. This tracer allows for the visualization of blood flow through the heart using specialized imaging technology, typically a gamma camera. The images produced can help identify areas of the heart that may not be receiving adequate blood supply, which is essential for diagnosing conditions such as coronary artery disease or assessing the heart's function after a heart attack. The qualitative aspect of the study provides a general assessment of wall motion, while the quantitative aspect offers precise measurements, enhancing the diagnostic capabilities of the procedure.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The myocardial perfusion study with wall motion, as indicated by CPT® Code 78478, is performed for several specific clinical reasons. These indications include:

  • Assessment of Coronary Artery Disease This procedure is utilized to evaluate patients who may have blockages in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.
  • Post-Myocardial Infarction Evaluation It is indicated for patients who have experienced a heart attack, to assess the extent of damage to the heart muscle and to evaluate the heart's function.
  • Preoperative Cardiac Risk Assessment The study may be performed to assess cardiac function in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery, helping to determine the risk of perioperative cardiac events.
  • Evaluation of Heart Failure It is also indicated for patients with heart failure to assess myocardial perfusion and wall motion abnormalities.

2. Procedure

The procedure for a myocardial perfusion study with wall motion involves several key steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • 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 refrain from eating or drinking for a specified period before the test to ensure accurate results.
  • Step 2: Administration of Radioactive Tracer A radioactive substance, known as a radiopharmaceutical, is injected into the patient's bloodstream, typically through an intravenous (IV) line. This tracer is crucial for imaging as it allows the camera to visualize blood flow in the heart.
  • Step 3: Imaging Acquisition After the tracer is administered, the patient is positioned under a gamma camera. The camera captures images of the heart as the tracer circulates, providing information about blood flow and wall motion. This imaging may occur at rest and during stress, which can be induced through exercise or pharmacological means.
  • Step 4: Image Analysis The acquired images are analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively to assess the perfusion of the myocardium and the motion of the heart walls. This analysis helps in identifying any areas of reduced blood flow or abnormal wall motion.

3. Post-Procedure

After the myocardial perfusion study is completed, the patient is monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions to the radioactive tracer. The patient may be advised to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the tracer from their system. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the results of the study and any further diagnostic or therapeutic steps that may be necessary based on the findings. It is important for the healthcare provider to review the images and results thoroughly to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Short Descr HEART WALL MOTION ADD-ON
Medium Descr HEART WALL MOTION ADD-ON
Long Descr MYOCRD PRFUJ STD WALL MOTION QUAL/QUAN STD
APC Status Indicator Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
Type of Service (TOS) 4 - Diagnostic Radiology
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 209 - Radioisotope scan and function studies
Date
Action
Notes
2010-01-01 Deleted Deleted code, see 78451-78454
1992-01-01 Added Code added.
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