1. Try Super
   Posted 4 months ago #
   

   How do you code for a NM split lung function test? The report states 5.3 mCi technetium MAA was used for perfusion images. The study was perfromed to assess split lung function.

2. SuperCoder
   Posted 4 months ago #
   

   I have given the possible list of codes with description and match it with the documentaion in your reports, and see the appropriate code from the given list of codes below:
   78580 Pulmonary perfusion imaging, particulate
   78584 Pulmonary perfusion imaging, particulate, with ventilation; single breath
   78585 Pulmonary perfusion imaging, particulate, with ventilation; rebreathing and washout, with or without single breath
   78588 Pulmonary perfusion imaging, particulate, with ventilation imaging, aerosol, 1 or multiple projections
   78596 Pulmonary quantitative differential function (ventilation/perfusion) study
   78599 Unlisted respiratory procedure, diagnostic nuclear medicine

3. SuperCoder
   Posted 4 months ago #
   

   Just to add to that, with the mention of MAA, look in particular at 78580 (Pulmonary perfusion imaging, particulate) for a perfusion study alone. 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).

   For 2012, codes 78584-78598 have been deleted, and code 78580 has been revised to say "Pulmonary perfusion imaging (eg, particulate).” In place of the deleted codes, we’ll have:

   78579 -- Pulmonary ventilation imaging (eg, aerosol or gas)
   78582 -- Pulmonary ventilation (eg, aerosol or gas) and perfusion imaging
   78597 -- Quantitative differential pulmonary perfusion, including imaging when performed
   78598 -- Quantitative differential pulmonary perfusion and ventilation (eg, aerosol or gas), including imaging when performed

   Regards,
   Deborah

   Deborah Marsh, JD, MA, CPC, CHONC
   Editor, The Coding Institute

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