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Brain imaging, as described by CPT® Code 78601, involves the use of scintigraphy to obtain static images of the brain, specifically with the inclusion of vascular flow imaging. This procedure utilizes a radiolabeled isotope tracer, which is a radioactive substance that helps visualize blood flow and brain activity. The primary purpose of this imaging technique is to document brain death, making it a critical procedure in certain medical evaluations. During the procedure, the patient is carefully positioned on an imaging table, and a gamma camera is aligned to capture images of the entire head and neck region. An intravenous line is established to facilitate the injection of the radiolabeled isotope tracer directly into the patient's circulatory system. The imaging process begins promptly after the isotope bolus reaches the neck, allowing for the assessment of vascular flow as it progresses through the brain. The imaging captures static views from multiple angles, including anterior, right lateral, and left lateral positions, with each view being recorded for approximately five minutes. This method allows for detailed visualization of the brain's structure and blood flow, which is essential for accurate interpretation by the physician, who subsequently provides a comprehensive written report of the findings. It is important to note that CPT® Code 78601 is specifically designated for cases where vascular flow studies are included alongside the static imaging, distinguishing it from other codes that may apply to different imaging scenarios.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 78601 is indicated for specific clinical scenarios where brain imaging is necessary to assess brain function and vascular flow. The following conditions may warrant the use of this imaging technique:
The procedure for CPT® Code 78601 involves several key steps that ensure accurate imaging of the brain with vascular flow assessment. The following outlines the procedural steps:
Post-procedure care for patients undergoing CPT® Code 78601 typically involves monitoring for any immediate reactions to the radiolabeled isotope tracer. Patients may be observed for a short period to ensure there are no adverse effects from the injection. Additionally, the physician will provide a written report detailing the findings from the imaging study, which is essential for further clinical decision-making. Patients may be advised on any necessary follow-up appointments or additional testing based on the results of the imaging. It is also important to inform patients about the safety of the radiolabeled isotope used, as it is designed to minimize radiation exposure while providing valuable diagnostic information.
| Short Descr | BRAIN IMAGE W/FLOW < 4 VIEWS | Medium Descr | BRAIN IMAGING <4 STATIC VIEWS W/VASCULAR FLOW | Long Descr | Brain imaging, less than 4 static views; with vascular flow | 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 | Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple | ASC Payment Indicator | Radiology service paid separately when provided integral to a surgical procedure on ASC list; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | 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 |
| 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. | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 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 | Q6 | Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation 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 | Ordering professional consulted a qualified clinical decision support mechanism for this service and the related data was provided to the furnishing professional | X5 | Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Medium description changed. |
| 2008-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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