© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Brain imaging with vascular flow only, as described by CPT® Code 78610, is a diagnostic procedure that utilizes scintigraphy along with a radiolabeled isotope tracer to visualize blood flow in the brain. This imaging technique is particularly valuable for identifying and assessing various cerebrovascular conditions, including cerebrovascular disease, vascular malformations, dementia, brain injuries, and determining brain death. During the procedure, the patient is carefully positioned on an imaging table, and a gamma camera is strategically focused on the head and neck region to capture detailed images. An intravenous line is established to facilitate the injection of the radiolabeled isotope tracer directly into the patient's circulatory system. The imaging process commences as soon as the isotope bolus reaches the neck and continues throughout the venous phase, allowing for comprehensive evaluation of blood flow dynamics. Typically, images are obtained from an anterior perspective to effectively assess blood flow to both hemispheres of the brain. Following the imaging, the physician interprets the results and generates a detailed written report outlining the findings, which is crucial for further clinical decision-making.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
Brain imaging with vascular flow only is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for brain imaging with vascular flow only involves several key steps:
Post-procedure care for brain imaging with vascular flow only typically involves monitoring the patient for any immediate reactions to the radiolabeled isotope tracer. Patients are generally advised to hydrate adequately to help flush the tracer from their system. There are usually no significant restrictions following the procedure, and patients can typically resume normal activities unless otherwise directed by their physician. The results of the imaging study will be discussed with the patient during a follow-up appointment, where the physician will explain the findings and any necessary next steps in their care.
| Short Descr | BRAIN FLOW IMAGING ONLY | Medium Descr | BRAIN IMAGING VASCULAR FLOW ONLY | Long Descr | Brain imaging, vascular flow only | 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. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | 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 | TC | Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles | 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 |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.