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Brain imaging using positron emission tomography (PET) is a sophisticated diagnostic procedure that leverages the properties of a radiolabeled isotope tracer to visualize and evaluate brain perfusion. This imaging technique is pivotal in assessing blood flow and circulation within the brain, which can be critical for diagnosing various neurological conditions. During the PET scan, a radioactive substance is administered to the patient, allowing for the detection of positrons emitted from the tracer as it circulates through the body. The resulting images provide a three-dimensional representation of brain activity, highlighting areas of increased or decreased blood flow based on the uptake of the tracer by brain tissue. The procedure involves establishing an intravenous line for the injection of the tracer, followed by a waiting period to ensure adequate distribution before imaging. The PET scanner is then positioned over the patient's head and neck to capture detailed tomographic views of the brain, which are subsequently interpreted by a physician who generates a comprehensive report of the findings. This advanced imaging modality is essential for understanding cerebral perfusion dynamics and can aid in the diagnosis and management of various neurological disorders.
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The procedure of brain imaging using positron emission tomography (PET) is indicated for various clinical scenarios where assessment of cerebral perfusion is necessary. The following conditions may warrant the use of this imaging technique:
The procedure for brain imaging via positron emission tomography (PET) involves several critical steps to ensure accurate imaging and evaluation of brain perfusion. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the completion of the PET imaging procedure, patients may be monitored briefly to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions to the radiolabeled tracer. It is generally expected that patients can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure, as there are no significant recovery requirements associated with this imaging technique. However, patients may be advised to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the radioactive tracer from their system. The physician will provide the patient with the results of the imaging study in a timely manner, which will include a detailed report of the findings and any recommended follow-up actions based on the results.
| Short Descr | BRAIN IMAGING (PET) | Medium Descr | BRAIN IMAGING PET PERFUSION EVALUATION | Long Descr | Brain imaging, positron emission tomography (PET); perfusion evaluation | Status Code | Non-Covered Service | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services | Multiple Procedures (51) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Non-Covered Service, not paid under OPPS | Type of Service (TOS) | 4 - Diagnostic Radiology | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | I1E - Standard imaging - nuclear medicine | MUE | 0 | 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. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | 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 | PI | Positron emission tomography (pet) or pet/computed tomography (ct) to inform the initial treatment strategy of tumors that are biopsy proven or strongly suspected of being cancerous based on other diagnostic testing | 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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| 1994-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1994. |
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