2025 CPT code 78072

Parathyroid planar imaging, including subtraction when performed; with tomographic (SPECT) and concurrently acquired computed tomography (CT) for anatomical localization.

Refer to the current CPT manual and payer specific guidelines for proper coding and billing practices.Appropriate use criteria and payer specific medical necessity requirements should be considered.

Modifiers 26 (professional component) and TC (technical component) may be appended as appropriate based on the services performed and payer requirements.

Medical necessity for 78072 is established by the presence of clinical symptoms suggestive of parathyroid disease (hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia, kidney stones, bone disease), or a prior history of parathyroid surgery.The study assists in the precise localization of affected parathyroid glands for surgical planning, thus improving surgical outcomes and reducing the risk of complications.

The provider's responsibilities include patient preparation and positioning, administration of radiopharmaceuticals, image acquisition using a gamma camera (including planar and SPECT imaging), concurrent CT acquisition for anatomical correlation, image processing and analysis, interpretation of results, and generation of a detailed report for the referring physician.The provider may also perform a subtraction study.

IMPORTANT Do not report 78070, 78071, 78072 in conjunction with 78800, 78801, 78802, 78803, 78804, 78830, 78831, 78832, 78835. If the provider performs the test without concurrently acquired CT images for anatomic localization, see 78071.If only physician interpretation is reported, append modifier 26. If only the technical component is reported, append modifier TC (payer policy may exempt hospitals from this).

In simple words: This test uses special scans to create detailed pictures of the parathyroid glands in your neck.It involves injecting small amounts of radioactive material and taking several types of images to pinpoint any abnormal areas, such as tumors or enlarged glands. The images help doctors find and precisely locate problems before surgery.

This CPT code encompasses a comprehensive parathyroid imaging study involving the acquisition of planar images (including subtraction studies when applicable) after administering two different radiopharmaceuticals.The procedure incorporates the use of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for three-dimensional imaging, and concurrently acquired computed tomography (CT) scans to enhance anatomical localization of abnormal findings.The provider is responsible for patient preparation, administration of radiotracers, image acquisition and processing, image comparison and analysis (including subtraction studies, when performed), interpretation of findings, and reporting to the referring physician.

Example 1: A 55-year-old female patient presents with symptoms suggestive of hyperparathyroidism.The provider performs a 78072 study to precisely locate any abnormal parathyroid tissue before surgery., A 48-year-old male patient with a history of parathyroid adenoma undergoes a repeat 78072 study to monitor for recurrence following a prior parathyroidectomy., A 62-year-old patient with suspected parathyroid carcinoma undergoes a 78072 study for preoperative planning and to assess tumor extent.

* Patient demographics and relevant clinical history including symptoms and any prior surgeries.* Radiopharmaceutical details (type, dosage, and administration time).* Images acquired (planar, SPECT, and CT).* Detailed description of image findings.* Comparison of different imaging modalities.* Complete report with physician interpretation and recommendations.

** Radiopharmaceutical supplies are reported separately using appropriate HCPCS codes.The interpretation and report generation are integral parts of the procedure and should be included in the claim.

  • Revenue Code: I1E (STANDARD IMAGING - NUCLEAR MEDICINE)
  • RVU: Information not available in provided source.Refer to CMS fee schedules for current RVU values.
  • Global Days : Information not provided in source. Global period may vary based on payer and other factors.
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC may be appended if only the technical component (image acquisition) is reported, though this may be exempt for hospitals depending on payer policy.
  • Fee Schedule : Information not available in provided source. Refer to historical CMS fee schedules.
  • Specialties:Nuclear Medicine, Endocrinology, Surgery
  • Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Ambulatory Surgical Center
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