Cardiology Coding Alert
Dial Into Coding SPECT Studies
Question: My provider performed multiple single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) studies under stress. They induced stress by having the patient exercise on a bicycle. The provider injected a radionuclide substance that collects in the nonischemic tissues. They took multiple SPECT images to determine the blood supply-deficient area. Since they performed multiple studies, the provider administered the second injection of the radionuclide before the resting phase. They immediately took the SPECT images of the heart to identify areas with poor blood supply. How should I report this? Alabama Subscriber Answer: You should report 78452 (Myocardial perfusion imaging, tomographic (SPECT) (including attenuation correction, qualitative or quantitative wall motion, ejection fraction by first pass or gated technique, additional quantification, when performed); multiple studies, at rest and/or stress (exercise or pharmacologic) and/or redistribution and/or rest reinjection) on your claim. Don’t miss: SPECT is a type of scan that uses a radioactive substance and a special camera to produce three-dimensional (3D) images of the heart.
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