Radiology Test Case Answer: Gastric Emptying, Small Bowel and Colon Transit Study

RADIOLOGY TEST CASE ANSWER Gastric Emptying, Small Bowel and Colon Transit Study HOW TO CODE 78266 Gastric emptying imaging study (eg, solid, liquid, or both); with small bowel and colon transit, multiple days A9548 Indium In-111 pentetate, diagnostic, per 0.5 millicurie K59.01 Slow transit constipation DISCUSSION A gastric emptying with small bowel and colon transit study was performed at 4, 24, and 48 hours; therefore, CPT code 78266 , Gastric emptying imaging study (eg, solid, liquid, or both); with small bowel and colon transit, multiple days , should be reported. Use of a radiopharmaceutical is reported with a Healthcare...

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Note:  The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.

Article Overview

This article reviews coding guidance for a gastrointestinal nuclear medicine transit study in radiology. It is aimed at coders, billing staff, and clinical documentation professionals who need to understand the relevant CPT, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM code categories, along with general reporting considerations for radiopharmaceuticals and diagnostic imaging services.

Why This Topic Matters

Accurate reporting for nuclear medicine GI transit studies depends on matching the imaging service, associated supply reporting, and diagnosis coding. The article helps readers understand the broad coding framework and the types of guidance that affect claim completeness and payment integrity.

Article Sections

  1. How to Code

    Introduces the primary procedure, related supply reporting, and the diagnosis category discussed in the article. This section frames the coding topic and identifies the codes addressed in the case answer.

  2. Discussion

    Provides broader context on gastrointestinal transit imaging, radiopharmaceutical reporting, and general considerations for selecting the appropriate code category. It also discusses related documentation and payment themes for nuclear medicine studies.

  3. Coding Tips

    Summarizes general reporting reminders for supplies and nuclear medicine procedure services. It covers high-level guidance about separating certain supply charges from the procedure code.

  4. Endnote

    Lists a brief source note for the article.

  5. References

    Provides supporting reference sources cited by the article.

  6. Erratum

    Notes a correction related to a separate radiology coding issue and the applicable date-of-service context.

What You Will Learn

  • The general coding framework for a gastric emptying transit study in radiology
  • How associated radiopharmaceutical reporting is handled at a high level
  • Which diagnosis category is discussed for delayed colonic transit
  • What types of coding references and practice guidance support this topic

Who Should Read This

  • Radiology coders
  • Hospital outpatient billing staff
  • Physician practice coding staff
  • Nuclear medicine documentation specialists
  • Revenue cycle professionals

Codes Discussed

Code Ranges Discussed

  • HCPCS LEVEL II: A9500-A9700

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