AMA Clinical Examples in Radiology - 2019 Issue 4 (Fall)
Thyroid Carcinoma Scan with SPECT/CT
RADIOLOGY TEST CASE ANSWER Thyroid Carcinoma Scan with SPECT/CT HOW TO CODE Through December 31, 2019, the coding should be as follows: 78018 Thyroid carcinoma metastases imaging; whole body 78020 Thyroid carcinoma metastases uptake (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) 78803 Radiopharmaceutical localization of tumor or distribution of radiopharmaceutical agent(s); tomographic (SPECT) 78099 Unlisted endocrine procedure, diagnostic nuclear medicine A9509 X2 Iodine I-123 sodium iodide, diagnostic, per millicurie C73 Malignant neoplasm of thyroid gland C77.1 Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of intrathoracic lymph nodes After January 1, 2020, the coding should be as follows: 78018...
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Article Overview
This premium radiology coding article explains how a thyroid carcinoma scan with SPECT/CT is reported, with attention to the transition between pre-2020 and 2020 coding guidance. It is aimed at coders, billing staff, and radiology practices that need a high-level understanding of the procedure, related radiopharmaceutical reporting, and diagnosis coding considerations without relying on the full article text.
Why This Topic Matters
The article helps readers recognize when thyroid carcinoma nuclear medicine studies changed reporting structure and how associated radiopharmaceutical and diagnosis coding concepts are discussed in current and historical references. That can support more accurate charge capture, claim preparation, and interpretation of coding guidance for nuclear medicine services.
Article Sections
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How to Code
Summarizes the procedure reporting framework before and after the effective date change, along with related coding categories discussed in the article.
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Discussion
Provides narrative guidance on the study context, terminology used in nuclear medicine, radiopharmaceutical reporting, and diagnosis coding considerations.
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Sources
Lists the reference publications and organizations cited as background for the article.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames reporting for a thyroid carcinoma nuclear medicine scan with SPECT/CT
- What broader coding topics are addressed for radiopharmaceuticals and diagnosis reporting
- How the article distinguishes historical and updated guidance
- Which references and organizations support the discussion
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Radiology billing staff
- Nuclear medicine departments
- Revenue cycle teams
- Compliance staff
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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