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Official Description

Injection procedure for radiopharmaceutical localization by non-imaging probe study, intravenous (eg, parathyroid adenoma)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 78808 refers to an injection procedure for radiopharmaceutical localization using a non-imaging probe study, specifically administered intravenously. This procedure is primarily utilized for the localization of specific tissues or abnormalities, such as a parathyroid adenoma. The process begins with the careful selection of an anatomical site for venous access, which can be performed in either the upper or lower extremities, depending on the specific area that requires examination. A tourniquet is applied to enhance vein visibility and facilitate access, followed by cleansing of the selected site to maintain sterility. An angiocatheter of appropriate size is then inserted to establish venous access, allowing for the infusion of fluids. Once the patient is positioned correctly on the procedure table, a radiolabeled isotope tracer is injected intravenously. This tracer is crucial as it allows for the detection of the targeted area through the use of a scintillation counter, which measures the accumulation of the radiolabeled material. The physician subsequently interprets the data collected during the procedure and compiles a comprehensive written report detailing the findings, which is essential for further clinical decision-making.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The injection procedure for radiopharmaceutical localization by non-imaging probe study is indicated for various clinical scenarios where precise localization of tissue or abnormalities is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Parathyroid Adenoma This procedure is commonly performed to localize parathyroid adenomas, which are benign tumors of the parathyroid glands that can lead to hyperparathyroidism.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the injection of radiopharmaceuticals via a non-imaging probe study involves several critical steps to ensure accuracy and safety.

  • Step 1: Selection of Anatomical Location The first step involves selecting an appropriate anatomical site for venous access. This can be done in either the upper or lower extremities, depending on the specific area that needs to be studied. The choice of site is crucial for the success of the procedure.
  • Step 2: Application of Tourniquet A tourniquet is then applied to the selected site to distend the vein, making it easier to visualize and access. This step is essential for facilitating the insertion of the angiocatheter.
  • Step 3: Cleansing the Site The site is thoroughly cleansed to maintain a sterile environment and reduce the risk of infection. This is a standard practice in any procedure involving venous access.
  • Step 4: Insertion of Angiocatheter An appropriately sized angiocatheter is inserted into the vein to establish venous access. This catheter allows for the administration of fluids and the radiolabeled isotope tracer.
  • Step 5: Infusion of Fluid Once the angiocatheter is in place, an infusion of fluid is initiated. This step helps to ensure that the tracer can be effectively delivered into the bloodstream.
  • Step 6: Injection of Radiolabeled Isotope Tracer With the patient positioned on the procedure table, the radiolabeled isotope tracer is injected intravenously. This tracer is critical for the localization of the targeted area.
  • Step 7: Scintillation Counter Monitoring The scintillation counter is then focused on the area of study to record the amount of radiolabeled isotope tracer that accumulates within the targeted tissue. This monitoring is essential for accurate localization.
  • Step 8: Interpretation and Reporting Finally, the physician interprets the data collected during the procedure and provides a written report detailing the findings. This report is vital for guiding further clinical decisions.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the injection procedure, the patient may be monitored for any immediate adverse reactions to the radiopharmaceutical. It is important to ensure that the venous access site is secure and that there are no signs of complications such as bleeding or infection. The physician will review the findings from the scintillation counter and the written report will be generated, which may be used for further diagnostic or therapeutic decisions. Patients may be advised on any specific post-procedure care, including hydration to help flush the radiopharmaceutical from their system, and they should be informed about any potential side effects or symptoms to watch for following the procedure.

Short Descr IV INJ RA DRUG DX STUDY
Medium Descr NJX RP LOCLZJ NON-IMG PROBE STUDY INTRAVENOUS
Long Descr Injection procedure for radiopharmaceutical localization by non-imaging probe study, intravenous (eg, parathyroid adenoma)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 5 - Incident To Code
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 STV-Packaged Codes
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS) 1 - Medical Care
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) I1E - Standard imaging - nuclear medicine
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 209 - Radioisotope scan and function studies
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
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
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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
Date
Action
Notes
2009-01-01 Added -
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Description
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