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The CPT® Code 78832 refers to a specialized imaging procedure known as radiopharmaceutical localization, which is utilized to identify tumors or inflammatory processes within the body. This procedure employs molecular imaging techniques, specifically single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), in conjunction with a computed tomography (CT) scan that is acquired simultaneously. The use of a radiolabeled isotope tracer is central to this process, as it allows for the visualization of specific areas of interest within the body. The tracer is designed to bind to inflammatory cells or target specific organs based on their physiological functions, enabling the detection of inflammation or tumors, even in their early stages.
During the procedure, an intravenous line is established to facilitate the injection of the radiolabeled isotope tracer directly into the patient's circulatory system. Alternatively, a blood sample may be taken, processed to isolate white or red blood cells, and then tagged with the isotope before being reintroduced into the patient. In some cases, radioactive agents may also be inhaled or ingested, depending on the area being examined. Once administered, the tracer circulates through the body and localizes in areas of inflammation or tumor growth.
The imaging process involves positioning the patient on a specialized imaging table, where a gamma camera capable of performing both SPECT and CT scans is centered over the targeted area. The scanning occurs at predetermined intervals, capturing the radioactive energy emitted from the tracer, which is then converted into detailed images. This hybrid imaging technique provides a comprehensive view of the anatomical structures and any pathological conditions present. The procedure can involve imaging at least two different areas of the body, such as the pelvis and knees or the chest and abdomen, or it may consist of separate acquisitions performed on a single day. Additionally, a single area may be imaged over two or more days. The resulting three-dimensional images are interpreted by a physician, who subsequently generates a written report detailing the findings of the study.
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The CPT® Code 78832 is indicated for use in various clinical scenarios where localization of tumors or inflammatory processes is necessary. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this imaging procedure:
The procedure associated with CPT® Code 78832 involves several key steps that ensure accurate imaging and localization of the targeted areas. The following outlines the procedural steps:
Following the completion of the imaging procedure associated with CPT® Code 78832, patients may be monitored briefly to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions to the radiopharmaceutical. There are typically no specific post-procedure care requirements, and patients can usually resume their normal activities shortly after the imaging is completed. However, it is essential for patients to follow any specific instructions provided by their healthcare provider regarding hydration or any other considerations related to the radiopharmaceutical used. The physician will review the findings with the patient during a follow-up appointment, discussing any necessary next steps based on the results of the imaging study.
| Short Descr | RP LOCLZJ TUM SPECT W/CT 2 | Medium Descr | RP LOCLZJ TUM SPECT CT 2AREA/SEP ACQUISJ IMG | Long Descr | Radiopharmaceutical localization of tumor, inflammatory process or distribution of radiopharmaceutical agent(s) (includes vascular flow and blood pool imaging, when performed); tomographic (SPECT) with concurrently acquired computed tomography (CT) transmission scan for anatomical review, localization and determination/detection of pathology, minimum 2 areas (eg, pelvis and knees, chest and abdomen) or separate acquisitions (eg, lung ventilation and perfusion), single day imaging, or single area or acquisition over 2 or more days | 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) | none | MUE | 1 |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 78835 | Add-on Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Radiopharmaceutical quantification measurement(s) single area (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 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. | 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 | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 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 | 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 | 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. | 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 | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | 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 | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 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. | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | MA | Ordering professional is not required to consult a clinical decision support mechanism due to service being rendered to a patient with a suspected or confirmed emergency medical condition | MC | Ordering professional is not required to consult a clinical decision support mechanism due to the significant hardship exception of electronic health record or clinical decision support mechanism vendor issues | ME | The order for this service adheres to appropriate use criteria in the clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional | MF | The order for this service does not adhere to the appropriate use criteria in the clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional | PD | Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days | Ordering professional consulted a qualified clinical decision support mechanism for this service and the related data was provided to the furnishing professional | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | X4 | Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter | 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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| 2023-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2020-01-01 | Added | Code added. |
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