In simple words: This procedure uses a special type of nuclear imaging called SPECT combined with a CT scan to find and pinpoint the location of a tumor, inflammation, or how a radioactive substance is distributed in the body. It's done in one area of the body, like the head or chest, in a single day. It can also show blood flow and how well blood vessels are working.

This code describes a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan performed with a concurrently acquired computed tomography (CT) scan. It is used for the localization of tumors, inflammatory processes, or the distribution of radiopharmaceutical agents. It includes vascular flow and blood pool imaging when performed. The procedure involves a single area (e.g., head, neck, chest, or pelvis) or acquisition on a single day.

Example 1: A patient with suspected breast cancer undergoes a SPECT-CT scan of the chest to evaluate a suspicious mass found on mammography. The scan helps determine the precise location and extent of the mass and whether it involves surrounding lymph nodes., A patient presents with a fever of unknown origin. A SPECT-CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is ordered to evaluate for occult infection or inflammation., A patient with epilepsy undergoes a brain SPECT-CT to locate the seizure focus for potential surgical intervention.

Documentation should include the indication for the scan, the area imaged, the radiopharmaceutical used, the interpretation of the findings, and any relevant medical history.

** The code includes vascular flow and blood pool imaging, when performed. The radiopharmaceutical is reported separately.