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CPT®
78586

CPT® Code 78586
Deleted

Code deleted, see 78579, 78582-78598

Official Description

Pulmonary ventilation imaging, aerosol; single projection

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 78586 refers to a specific diagnostic imaging procedure known as pulmonary ventilation imaging, which utilizes an aerosolized radioactive gas. During this procedure, the patient inhales and exhales the radioactive gas, allowing for the visualization of the lungs and airways through specialized imaging technology. The physician employs a camera capable of detecting the emitted radioactive particles, which provides critical insights into the patient's lung function and identifies any potential obstructions within the airway. This imaging technique is essential for assessing respiratory conditions and determining the overall health of the lungs. It is important to note that if the patient undergoes a series of inhalations and exhalations while images are captured, the appropriate code to use would be 78587, which corresponds to multiple projections of the pulmonary ventilation imaging.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The pulmonary ventilation imaging procedure, coded as CPT® 78586, is indicated for various clinical scenarios where assessment of lung function and airway patency is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this imaging technique:

  • Evaluation of Airway Obstructions This procedure is performed to identify any blockages or obstructions in the airways that may affect breathing and overall lung function.
  • Assessment of Lung Function It is utilized to evaluate the efficiency of the lungs in facilitating gas exchange, which is crucial for diagnosing respiratory disorders.
  • Preoperative Assessment The imaging may be indicated prior to surgical procedures involving the lungs or thoracic cavity to ensure that the patient has adequate lung function.
  • Monitoring of Lung Disease Progression This procedure can be used to track the progression of chronic lung diseases, such as COPD or asthma, by providing comparative data over time.

2. Procedure

The pulmonary ventilation imaging procedure involves several key steps to ensure accurate imaging and assessment of lung function. The following outlines the procedural steps involved:

  • Preparation of the Patient The patient is prepared for the procedure by explaining the process and ensuring they understand the importance of inhaling and exhaling the radioactive gas. The patient may be asked to remove any clothing or accessories that could interfere with the imaging process.
  • Administration of the Radioactive Aerosol The patient is then instructed to inhale a specific aerosolized radioactive gas. This gas is designed to be safe and allows for the visualization of lung function through imaging technology.
  • Imaging Process As the patient breathes in and exhales the radioactive gas, a specialized camera captures images of the lungs. The camera detects the radioactive particles emitted during the breathing process, allowing the physician to observe the distribution of the gas within the lungs.
  • Analysis of Images After the imaging is complete, the physician reviews the captured images to assess lung function and identify any obstructions or abnormalities in the airway. This analysis is critical for diagnosing potential respiratory issues.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the pulmonary ventilation imaging procedure, the patient may be monitored briefly to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions to the radioactive gas. Generally, there are no specific post-procedure care requirements, and patients can resume their normal activities unless otherwise instructed by their physician. The physician will discuss the results of the imaging with the patient during a follow-up appointment, where further diagnostic or therapeutic options may be considered based on the findings.
Short Descr AEROSOL LUNG IMAGE SINGLE
Medium Descr PULM VI AERSL 1 PROJECTION
Long Descr Pulmonary ventilation imaging, aerosol; single projection
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) 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 Discontinued Code
Type of Service (TOS) 4 - Diagnostic Radiology
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 208 - Radioisotope pulmonary scan
Date
Action
Notes
2012-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, see 78579, 78582-78598
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
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