Thyroid Uptake and Scans

Question:
If we are doing thyroid uptake and scans using both technetium and Iodine radiopharmaceuticals, which code(s) should be used to charge if you do an uptake at 4 and 24 hrs and imaging of the thyroid in views of anterior, RAO and LAO?

Answer:

Based on the information you provided in your question the appropriate CPT code is 78014 Thyroid imaging (including vascular flow, when performed); with single or multiple uptake(s) quantitative measurement(s) (including stimulation, suppression, or discharge, when performed). Performing uptakes at each 4 and 24 hours is considered multiple determinations. Additionally, use of one or two radiopharmaceuticals is a department or facility choice and does not impact the choice of procedure code. If uptake(s) and imaging is performed on single or multiple day the appropriate code remains CPT 78014.

The opinions referenced are those of the members of the SNMMI Coding and Reimbursement Committee and their consultants based on their coding experience. They are based on the commonly used codes in Nuclear Medicine, which are not all inclusive. Always check with your local insurance carriers as policies vary by region. The final decision for the coding of a procedure must be made by the physician considering regulations of insurance carriers and any local, state or federal laws that apply to the physicians practice. The SNMMI and its representatives disclaim any liability arising from the use of these opinions.