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Brain imaging, as described by CPT® Code 78605, involves the use of scintigraphy to obtain a minimum of four static views of the brain. This imaging technique utilizes a radiolabeled isotope tracer, which is injected into the patient's circulatory system through an established intravenous line. The primary purpose of this procedure is to document brain death, making it a critical diagnostic tool in neurology. During the imaging process, the patient is positioned on an imaging table, and a gamma camera is focused on the entire head and neck region. The imaging captures the spatial distribution of the radiopharmaceutical within the brain, providing essential information for the physician's interpretation. The procedure typically includes views from the anterior, right lateral, left lateral, and posterior positions, with the possibility of additional views as deemed necessary. Each static image is captured for approximately five minutes, allowing for detailed analysis of the brain's condition at a specific point in time. The physician then interprets the collected data and generates a written report summarizing the findings, which is crucial for further medical decision-making.
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The procedure described by CPT® Code 78605 is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for brain imaging using CPT® Code 78605 involves several critical steps to ensure accurate results. First, the patient is positioned comfortably on the imaging table, ensuring that the entire head and neck are accessible for imaging. A gamma camera is then aligned to focus on these areas. An intravenous line is established to facilitate the injection of a radiolabeled isotope tracer directly into the patient's circulatory system. This tracer is crucial as it allows for the visualization of blood flow within the brain. Once the tracer is administered, the imaging process begins. For static imaging, the camera captures images from a minimum of four distinct views: anterior, right lateral, left lateral, and posterior. Each view is recorded for approximately five minutes, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the brain's condition at a single point in time. During this period, zoning and magnification of specific areas of interest may be performed to enhance the detail of the images obtained. The physician is responsible for interpreting the results of the imaging study and must provide a written report detailing the findings, which is essential for further clinical evaluation.
After the completion of the brain imaging procedure, the patient may be monitored briefly to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions to the radiolabeled isotope tracer. The physician will review the images captured during the procedure and prepare a detailed report of the findings. This report is critical for determining the next steps in patient care, particularly in cases where brain death is being assessed. Patients may be advised on any necessary follow-up appointments or additional testing based on the results of the imaging study. It is important to note that the interpretation of the images and the subsequent report should be conducted by a qualified physician with expertise in nuclear medicine or radiology.
| Short Descr | BRAIN IMAGE 4+ VIEWS | Medium Descr | BRAIN IMAGING MINIMUM 4 STATIC VIEWS | Long Descr | Brain imaging, minimum 4 static views; | 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 | 210 - Other radioisotope scan |
| 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. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 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 | 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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| 2010-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2008-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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