AMA Clinical Examples in Radiology - 2006 Issue 3 (Summer)
Radiology Test Case Answer
Radiology Test Case Answer (See page 6 for test case) How to Code 78803 Radiopharmaceutical localization of tumor or distribution of radiopharmaceutical agent(s); tomographic (SPECT) 78804 -51 Radiopharmaceutical localization of tumor or distribution of radiopharmaceutical agent(s); whole body, requiring two or more days imaging A9565 Indium-111 pentetreotide, diagnostic, per millicurie Discussion The whole body scan is performed in the planar technique wherein 2-dimensional views are used to visualize a tumor. A single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) study utilizes 3-dimensional images reconstructed in multiple planes to enhance detection and localization of tumors in localized regions of the body. When...
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This premium article explains how a radiology test case is coded in nuclear medicine, focusing on tumor localization imaging, radiopharmaceutical reporting, and Medicare-related multiple procedure billing. It is intended for coders, billers, and radiology compliance staff who need to understand how the discussed CPT and HCPCS Level II items fit together and how payer guidance affects reporting. The article also covers broader context on nuclear medicine procedure reporting, radiopharmaceutical quantities, and related references from coding and Medicare policy sources.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate reporting of nuclear medicine imaging and radiopharmaceuticals affects claim integrity, payment accuracy, and compliance with payer policy. The article helps readers recognize how imaging procedures and separately reportable radiopharmaceuticals are discussed in a real coding scenario.
Article Sections
-
How to Code
Introduces the coding assignment for the case and identifies the procedure and supply codes involved. The section frames the nuclear medicine services discussed in the article.
-
Discussion
Explains the imaging modalities involved, the broader nuclear medicine reporting context, and payer-related considerations. It also addresses radiopharmaceutical reporting and references related coding guidance.
-
Endnote
Lists policy and bulletin references supporting the coding discussion. The section points to external guidance sources without expanding on their detailed content.
-
References
Provides additional source references and publication citations used in the article. These references support the surrounding coding discussion.
What You Will Learn
- How the article approaches a nuclear medicine radiology case
- How tumor localization imaging is discussed in relation to CPT and HCPCS Level II coding
- How radiopharmaceutical reporting is addressed at a general level
- How Medicare multiple procedure considerations are presented
- Which coding and policy reference sources are cited
Who Should Read This
- Radiology coders
- Nuclear medicine coders
- Medical billers
- Compliance staff
- Revenue cycle professionals
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.


Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com