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CPT®
78596

CPT® Code 78596
Deleted

Code deleted, see 78579, 78582-78598

Official Description

Pulmonary quantitative differential function (ventilation/perfusion) study

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 78596 refers to a pulmonary quantitative differential function study, specifically focusing on ventilation and perfusion. This procedure involves the inhalation of radioactive Xenon gas by the patient, which allows for the assessment of lung function through advanced imaging techniques. During the study, a specialized camera captures images that illustrate how effectively the lungs are processing air, providing critical insights into pulmonary function. Additionally, the procedure includes a test that identifies lung tissue that may not be ventilating air properly, thereby enabling healthcare professionals to evaluate the distribution of airflow within the lungs. This comprehensive approach aids in diagnosing various pulmonary conditions by quantifying the differential function of the lungs, ultimately contributing to better patient management and treatment planning.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The pulmonary quantitative differential function study (CPT® Code 78596) is indicated for the evaluation of various pulmonary conditions. The following are the explicitly provided indications for this procedure:

  • Assessment of Lung Function This study is performed to assess how well the lungs are ventilating and perfusing, which is crucial for diagnosing respiratory disorders.
  • Evaluation of Pulmonary Diseases It is indicated for patients suspected of having pulmonary diseases that may affect airflow and gas exchange, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary embolism.
  • Preoperative Assessment The procedure may be indicated as part of a preoperative evaluation for patients undergoing lung surgery to ensure adequate lung function.

2. Procedure

The pulmonary quantitative differential function study involves several key procedural steps that are essential for accurate assessment of lung function. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation The patient is prepared for the study by explaining the procedure and ensuring that they understand the importance of inhaling the radioactive Xenon gas. The patient may be instructed to avoid certain medications or activities prior to the test to ensure accurate results.
  • Step 2: Inhalation of Radioactive Xenon Gas The patient inhales a small amount of radioactive Xenon gas, which is used as a tracer to visualize lung function. This inhalation is crucial as it allows for the assessment of how well the lungs are ventilating.
  • Step 3: Imaging Acquisition After inhalation, a specialized camera is used to take images of the lungs. These images capture the distribution of the radioactive gas within the lung tissue, providing valuable information about ventilation efficiency.
  • Step 4: Assessment of Lung Tissue In addition to ventilation imaging, another test is performed to identify lung tissue that is not ventilating air properly. This step is critical for determining areas of the lung that may be compromised and require further evaluation.

3. Post-Procedure

After the pulmonary quantitative differential function study is completed, the patient may be monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions to the inhaled radioactive gas. Typically, there are no significant post-procedure care requirements, and patients can resume normal activities shortly after the study. However, it is essential for healthcare providers to review the imaging results and discuss any findings with the patient, as this will guide further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions based on the study's outcomes.
Short Descr LUNG DIFFERENTIAL FUNCTION
Medium Descr PULM QUAN DIFFIAL FUNCJ VNTJ/PRFUJ STD
Long Descr Pulmonary quantitative differential function (ventilation/perfusion) study
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) I1E - Standard imaging - nuclear medicine
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 208 - Radioisotope pulmonary scan
Date
Action
Notes
2012-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, see 78579, 78582-78598
1991-01-01 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
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