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The procedure represented by CPT® Code 78701 involves the imaging of the kidneys to assess their morphology, which includes evaluating their size, shape, and structural integrity, as well as their vascular flow. This assessment is conducted using scintigraphy, a diagnostic imaging technique that employs a radiolabeled isotope tracer. The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste 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 is employed in monitoring kidney transplants to ensure proper function. 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, and a gamma camera is focused on the kidneys to capture images. Scanning occurs at predetermined intervals, during which the radioactive energy emitted from the kidneys is converted into detailed images for analysis. It is important to note that CPT® Code 78700 is designated for studies focusing solely on kidney morphology, while CPT® Code 78701 is specifically used 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.
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The procedure represented by CPT® Code 78701 is indicated for a variety of renal conditions and assessments, including:
The procedure for CPT® Code 78701 involves several key steps that ensure accurate imaging of the kidneys:
After the completion of the imaging procedure, patients may be monitored briefly to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions to the radiolabeled isotope tracer. Generally, there are no specific post-procedure care requirements, and patients can resume their normal activities unless otherwise instructed by their healthcare provider. It is important for patients to follow any additional instructions provided by the physician, especially regarding hydration or any follow-up appointments to discuss the results of the imaging study. The physician will review the findings in the written report and may recommend further diagnostic tests or treatments based on the results.
| Short Descr | KIDNEY IMAGING WITH FLOW | Medium Descr | KIDNEY IMAGING MORPHOOGY W/VASCULAR FLOW | Long Descr | Kidney imaging morphology; 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. | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 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 | 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 | 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 |
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| 2007-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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