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The procedure described by CPT® Code 78700 involves kidney imaging morphology, which focuses on assessing the size, shape, and structural characteristics of the kidneys, as well as their functional capabilities. This assessment is conducted using scintigraphy, a diagnostic imaging technique that employs a radiolabeled isotope tracer to visualize the kidneys. The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste products from the bloodstream, maintaining chemical balance, and producing essential hormones such as erythropoietin, which is vital for red blood cell production; renin, which helps regulate blood pressure; and calcitriol, which is important for calcium absorption in the bones. The imaging procedure is particularly useful for evaluating various renal conditions, including renal blood flow issues, renovascular hypertension, the presence of renal cysts, tumors, abscesses, and other kidney diseases. Additionally, it serves as a monitoring tool for kidney transplants. During the procedure, an intravenous line is established to facilitate the injection of the radiolabeled isotope tracer directly into the patient's circulatory system. The patient is then positioned on an imaging table, where a gamma camera is focused on the kidneys to capture images. Scanning occurs at predetermined intervals, and the radioactive energy emitted from the kidneys is converted into detailed images for analysis. It is important to note that CPT® Code 78700 is specifically utilized when the focus is solely on the morphology of the kidneys, whereas CPT® Code 78701 is applicable when both morphology and vascular flow are evaluated. Following the imaging, the physician interprets the results and generates a comprehensive written report detailing the findings of the study.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 78700 is indicated for a variety of renal conditions and assessments. The following are the specific indications for performing kidney imaging morphology:
The procedure for kidney imaging morphology using CPT® Code 78700 involves several key steps that ensure accurate assessment of the kidneys. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the completion of the kidney imaging morphology procedure, several post-procedure considerations are important for patient care. The patient may be monitored briefly to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions to the radiolabeled isotope tracer. It is generally recommended that patients hydrate adequately following the procedure to help flush the tracer from their system. The physician will interpret the images obtained during the procedure and generate a written report detailing the findings. This report will include information on the morphology of the kidneys and any abnormalities detected during the imaging process. Patients may be advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the results and any necessary further evaluations or treatments based on the findings.
| Short Descr | KIDNEY IMAGING MORPHOL | Medium Descr | KIDNEY IMAGING MORPHOLOGY | Long Descr | Kidney imaging morphology; | 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. | 77 | Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | ME | The order for this service adheres to appropriate use criteria in the clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional | 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 | 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 | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2010-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2007-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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