Question: What is the difference between the imaging codes in the range 78300-78320 (Bone and/or joint imaging …)?
Utah Subscriber
Answer: Use the first four codes in this nuclear medicine bone and joint imaging range for planar exams and the last one for SPECT. 78300-78306: Select the code from this range of planar codes based on the physician’s documentation of the scanned area. Your options are the following:
• 78300--… limited area. This scan typically focuses on one particular anatomic area. Example: Your report indicates imaging of the foot and ankle, unilaterally.
• 78305--… multiple areas. Look for a focus on several areas, but less than the whole body. Example: Your report indicates imaging of bilateral ankles and knees, both hands and wrists, or lower spine and pelvis.
• 78306--… whole body. As the descriptor suggests, you should see documentation of whole-body imaging.
• 78315: Report planar code 78315 (… three-phase study) if your report indicates a three-phase study, including vascular flow, blood pool, and delayed status images of a particular body part or parts.
This exam typically includes a series of images of a particular body part, taken immediately after administration of a radionuclide, 20 minutes after administration, and three hours after administration. Physicians often order this study for fractures, osteomyelitis, or metastatic bone disease.
• 78320: If the physician obtains specialized images using SPECT, report 78320 (… tomographic [SPECT]).
Physicians often use SPECT to pinpoint difficult-to-see bone abnormalities.
Reader Questions reviewed by Sarah L. Goodman, MBA, CPC-H, CCP, president of SLG Inc. in Raleigh, N.C.
