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CPT®
78480

CPT® Code 78480
Deleted

Deleted code, see 78451-78454

Official Description

Myocardial perfusion study with ejection fraction (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 78480 refers to a myocardial perfusion study that includes the measurement of ejection fraction. This procedure is performed to assess the heart's function and blood flow. During the study, a physician administers a radioactive substance, known as a radiotracer, into the patient's bloodstream. This substance allows for the visualization of blood flow through the heart using specialized imaging technology, typically a gamma camera. The primary goal of this study is to evaluate how well the heart is pumping blood, which is quantified by the ejection fraction—the percentage of blood that is ejected from the heart with each contraction. This information is crucial for diagnosing various cardiac conditions, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring the effectiveness of therapies. The myocardial perfusion study is often performed in conjunction with other cardiac procedures, and it is important to note that this code is listed separately in addition to the code for the primary procedure being performed.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The myocardial perfusion study with ejection fraction, represented by CPT® Code 78480, is indicated for several clinical scenarios. These indications include:

  • Assessment of Coronary Artery Disease This study is often performed to evaluate patients suspected of having coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
  • Evaluation of Heart Function It is utilized to assess the overall function of the heart, particularly in patients with known heart conditions or those who have experienced symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath.
  • Monitoring Treatment Efficacy The procedure can be used to monitor the effectiveness of ongoing treatments for heart conditions, such as medications or interventions like angioplasty or bypass surgery.
  • Preoperative Assessment It may be indicated as part of the preoperative evaluation for patients undergoing major surgeries, especially in those with a history of heart disease.

2. Procedure

The myocardial perfusion study with ejection fraction involves several key procedural steps, which are outlined 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 avoid certain medications or foods that could affect the results of the study.
  • Step 2: Administration of Radiotracer A radioactive substance, or radiotracer, is injected into the patient's bloodstream, typically through an intravenous (IV) line. This substance is crucial for imaging as it allows the camera to visualize blood flow in the heart.
  • Step 3: Imaging Acquisition After the injection, the patient is positioned under a gamma camera, which captures images of the heart as the radiotracer circulates. This imaging may occur at rest and during stress, which can be induced through exercise or pharmacological means.
  • Step 4: Ejection Fraction Measurement The images obtained are analyzed to determine the ejection fraction, which quantifies the volume of blood pumped from the heart with each heartbeat. This measurement is critical for assessing heart function.
  • Step 5: Interpretation of Results Finally, a physician interprets the images and measurements, providing a report that outlines the findings and any implications for the patient's cardiac health.

3. Post-Procedure

After the myocardial perfusion study, patients are typically monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions to the radiotracer. They may be advised to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the radioactive material from their system. Patients can usually resume normal activities shortly after the procedure, but they may be given specific instructions regarding any restrictions based on their individual health status. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the results and any necessary further evaluations or treatments.
Short Descr HEART FUNCTION ADD-ON
Medium Descr HEART FUNCTION ADD-ON
Long Descr MYOCRD PRFUJ STD EJEC FXJ
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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