Radiology Coding Alert

Question: How do you code for a nuclear medicine split lung function test? The report states 5.3 mCi technetium MAA was used for perfusion images. The study was performed to assess split lung function.

Codify Member

Answer: Compare your documentation to revised-for-2012 code 78580 (Pulmonary perfusion imaging [e.g., particulate]). Your report indicates perfusion images and use of MAA, or macroaggregated albumin. MAA is the radiopharmaceutical injected for perfusion imaging.

If your practice bears the cost of the radiopharmaceutical, also consider A9540 (Technetium Tc-99m macroaggregated albumin, diagnostic, per study dose, up to 10 millicuries).

Remember: For 2012, codes 78584-78598 have been deleted. In place of the deleted codes, review the following:

• 78579, Pulmonary ventilation imaging (e.g., aerosol or gas)
• 78582, Pulmonary ventilation (e.g., aerosol or gas) and perfusion imaging
• 78597, Quantitative differential pulmonary perfusion, including imaging when performed
• 78598, Quantitative differential pulmonary perfusion and ventilation (e.g., aerosol or gas), including imaging when performed.