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The procedure described by CPT® Code 78591 refers to pulmonary ventilation imaging, which is a diagnostic imaging technique used to assess the ventilation of the lungs. During this procedure, the patient inhales a radioactive gas, specifically Xenon, which is a noble gas that does not react chemically within the body. The inhalation of this gas allows for the visualization of lung function through imaging. A specialized camera captures images of the lungs as the gas is inhaled, highlighting areas that may be poorly ventilated. This imaging technique is crucial for identifying potential respiratory issues, as it provides valuable information about the distribution of air within the lungs and can help in diagnosing various pulmonary conditions. The single breath and single projection aspects of the procedure indicate that the imaging is performed after a single inhalation of the gas, capturing a snapshot of lung ventilation at that moment.
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The pulmonary ventilation imaging procedure using CPT® Code 78591 is indicated for various clinical scenarios where assessment of lung ventilation is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this imaging technique:
The procedure for pulmonary ventilation imaging using CPT® Code 78591 involves several key steps that ensure accurate imaging of lung ventilation. The following outlines the procedural steps:
Post-procedure care for patients undergoing pulmonary ventilation imaging with CPT® Code 78591 is generally minimal. Patients are typically monitored for a short period to ensure they do not experience any adverse effects from the inhalation of the radioactive gas. It is important to inform patients that the amount of radiation exposure is low and considered safe for diagnostic purposes. Patients may resume normal activities immediately after the procedure unless otherwise directed by their physician. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the results of the imaging and any further diagnostic or therapeutic steps that may be necessary based on the findings.
| Short Descr | VENT IMAGE 1 BREATH 1 PROJ | Medium Descr | PULM VI GASEOUS 1 PRJCJ | Long Descr | Pulmonary ventilation imaging, gaseous, single breath, 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 |
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