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Official Description

Urinary bladder residual study (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A urinary bladder residual study, identified by CPT® Code 78730, is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates the efficiency of bladder emptying and identifies potential obstructions or dysfunctions within the urinary system. This study employs scintigraphy, a technique that utilizes a radiolabeled isotope tracer to visualize the bladder's function. The procedure can be conducted using two primary methods: direct radionucleotide cystography (DRC) and indirect radionucleotide cystography (IRC). In DRC, the bladder is catheterized, and the radiolabeled isotope tracer is instilled along with fluid to expand the bladder. Following this, the patient is asked to void, and the volume of urine remaining in the bladder is measured or calculated. Alternatively, in IRC, the tracer is injected into the circulatory system, allowing for imaging of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, including assessments of residual urine after voiding. Proper patient preparation is essential for both methods, which may involve catheterization or intravenous line insertion. A gamma camera is utilized to capture images of the bladder at designated intervals, converting the emitted radioactive energy into visual data. The physician then interprets the results and generates a comprehensive written report detailing the findings of the study.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The urinary bladder residual study is indicated for various clinical scenarios where assessment of bladder function is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Assessment of Bladder Emptying This study is performed to evaluate how effectively the bladder empties during urination, which is crucial for diagnosing urinary retention or incomplete bladder emptying.
  • Detection of Obstruction The procedure helps identify any obstructions in the urinary tract that may impede normal bladder function, leading to potential complications.
  • Evaluation of Bladder Dysfunction It is used to assess bladder dysfunction, which may manifest as symptoms such as incontinence, urgency, or frequency of urination.
  • Post-Surgical Assessment Following certain surgical procedures involving the urinary tract, this study may be indicated to evaluate the bladder's recovery and functionality.

2. Procedure

The urinary bladder residual study involves several key procedural steps to ensure accurate assessment of bladder function. The following outlines the detailed steps involved in the procedure:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation The patient is prepared for the procedure, which may include obtaining informed consent and explaining the process. Depending on the method chosen, either bladder catheterization or intravenous line insertion is performed to facilitate the administration of the radiolabeled isotope tracer.
  • Step 2: Administration of Radiolabeled Isotope Tracer In the case of direct radionucleotide cystography (DRC), the bladder is catheterized, and the radiolabeled isotope tracer is instilled along with fluid to distend the bladder. For indirect radionucleotide cystography (IRC), the tracer is injected into the circulatory system through the intravenous line.
  • Step 3: Voiding and Measurement After the bladder has been filled with the tracer, the patient is instructed to void. The volume of urine remaining in the bladder is then measured or calculated to assess bladder emptying efficiency.
  • Step 4: Imaging A gamma camera is positioned to capture images of the bladder at specific intervals. The camera detects the radioactive energy emitted from the tracer, converting it into images that reflect the bladder's function and any residual urine present.
  • Step 5: Interpretation and Reporting Once the imaging is complete, the physician interprets the results, analyzing the images for any signs of obstruction or dysfunction. A written report is generated, summarizing the findings and providing insights into the patient's bladder function.

3. Post-Procedure

After the urinary bladder residual study is completed, the patient may be monitored briefly to ensure there are no immediate complications from the procedure. Depending on the method used, patients may be advised to drink fluids to help flush out the radiolabeled isotope tracer from their system. The physician will review the findings with the patient during a follow-up appointment, discussing any necessary further evaluations or treatments based on the results of the study. It is important for patients to report any unusual symptoms or concerns following the procedure.

Short Descr URINARY BLADDER RETENTION
Medium Descr URINARY BLADDER RESIDUAL STUDY
Long Descr Urinary bladder residual study (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service
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 Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
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

This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.

78740 MPFS Status: Active Code APC S ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Ureteral reflux study (radiopharmaceutical voiding cystogram)
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
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
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
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Notes
2007-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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