AMA CPT® Assistant - 1999 Issue 3 (March)
Reporting Pulmonary Perfusion Imaging: New Code for 1999 (March 1999)
March 1999 pages 4-5 Coding Communication Reporting Pulmonary Perfusion Imaging: New Code for 1999 New code 78588 , Pulmonary perfusion imaging, particulate, with ventilation imaging, aerosol, one or multiple projections, has been added to CPT 1999. These new codes combine the procedures included in the existing codes 78580 , Pulmonary perfusion imaging, particulate, 78586 , Pulmonary ventilation imaging, aerosol; single projection, and 78587 , Pulmonary ventilation imaging, aerosol; multiple projections. Components of Pulmonary Perfusion Imaging The combined or bundled procedure reported with the new code 78588 , Pulmonary perfusion imaging, particulate, with ventilation imaging, aerosol, one or multiple projections, consists of imaging a patient...
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Article Overview
This Coding Communication article discusses a 1999 CPT update involving pulmonary perfusion and ventilation imaging. It is aimed at coders, billers, and clinicians who need to understand the scope of the updated respiratory imaging code set, the relationship between the new and prior codes, and the general reporting context for these studies. The article also includes a clinical vignette and terminology notes to support recognition of the procedure type and documentation context.
Why This Topic Matters
Updates to respiratory system imaging codes can affect accurate claim reporting, documentation review, and code selection for pulmonary studies. Understanding the article helps readers identify where the new CPT code fits within the broader imaging series and why the change was made.
Article Sections
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Coding Communication
Introduces the coding topic and frames the article as a guidance item from a CPT-related publication.
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Components of Pulmonary Perfusion Imaging
Describes the general structure of the imaging study and the clinical context in which the procedure is used.
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Previous Reporting Method
Summarizes how the procedure was handled before the 1999 update and why a revised approach was needed.
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Current Reporting Method Using Code 78585
Presents the updated reporting framework within the respiratory imaging series and discusses documentation considerations at a broad level.
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Clinical Vignette
Provides an illustrative patient scenario showing the type of service and physician involvement discussed in the article.
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Glossary of Terms
Defines selected terminology used in the article to support reader understanding of the imaging discussion.
What You Will Learn
- How a CPT update affected pulmonary imaging reporting
- How the article situates the procedure within the respiratory system imaging series
- What general documentation and reporting context is discussed for this type of imaging
- What clinical and terminology context accompanies the coding discussion
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Billing professionals
- Compliance staff
- Physicians interpreting imaging documentation
- Radiology and nuclear medicine staff
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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