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Cardiac blood pool imaging, specifically using the gated equilibrium technique, is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates the function of the heart, particularly focusing on the right ventricle. This imaging technique employs scintigraphy, which involves the use of a radiolabeled isotope tracer to visualize blood flow and cardiac function. The procedure is conducted while the patient is at rest, allowing for a stable assessment of cardiac performance without the influence of physical exertion. A key measurement obtained during this imaging is the right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF), which quantifies the percentage of blood that is ejected from the right ventricle with each heartbeat. This is crucial for diagnosing various cardiac conditions. During the procedure, the patient is positioned on an imaging table, and electrodes are placed on the chest to continuously monitor the heart's electrical activity through an electrocardiogram (ECG). The gamma camera, which detects the radiation emitted by the radiolabeled tracer, is strategically positioned over the chest to capture images of the heart. The ECG is synchronized with the camera to ensure that images are taken at precise moments in the cardiac cycle, enhancing the clarity and resolution of the images obtained. The radiolabeled isotope tracer is injected intravenously, allowing it to circulate through the heart. The gated equilibrium technique records images based on the electrical signals from the ECG, capturing data at specific phases of the cardiac cycle, such as during the diastolic phase when the heart is relaxed. This method results in high-resolution images that provide valuable insights into the heart's function. The RVEF is calculated using the images obtained during the first pass of the tracer through the heart, allowing for an accurate assessment of right ventricular performance. Following the imaging, the physician interprets the results and generates a comprehensive written report detailing the findings of the study.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The cardiac blood pool imaging procedure using gated equilibrium is indicated for various clinical scenarios where assessment of the right ventricular function is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this imaging study:
The cardiac blood pool imaging procedure involves several critical steps to ensure accurate assessment of the right ventricular ejection fraction. The following procedural steps are performed:
Post-procedure care for patients undergoing cardiac blood pool imaging is generally minimal, as the procedure is non-invasive and performed at rest. Patients may be monitored briefly to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions to the radiolabeled tracer. The physician will review the imaging results and provide a comprehensive report, which may include recommendations for further evaluation or treatment based on the findings. Patients are typically advised to resume normal activities unless otherwise instructed. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the results and any necessary next steps in management.
| Short Descr | HEART FIRST PASS ADD-ON | Medium Descr | CARD BL POOL GATED 1 STDY REST RT VENT EJCT FRCT | Long Descr | Cardiac blood pool imaging, gated equilibrium, single study, at rest, with right ventricular ejection fraction by first pass technique (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures 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 | Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates | ASC Payment Indicator | Packaged service/item; no separate payment made. | 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 |
This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.
| 78472 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC S ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Cardiac blood pool imaging, gated equilibrium; planar, single study at rest or stress (exercise and/or pharmacologic), wall motion study plus ejection fraction, with or without additional quantitative processing |
| 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. | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | ME | The order for this service adheres to 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 | MH | Unknown if ordering professional consulted a clinical decision support mechanism for this service, related information was not provided to the furnishing professional or provider | Q5 | Service furnished under a reciprocal billing arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area |
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| 1999-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1999. |