CPT® Code 78013

Thyroid imaging, commonly known as a thyroid scan, is a specialized nuclear medicine procedure designed to assess the anatomical and functional characteristics of the thyroid gland. This imaging technique involves the administration of radioactive iodine isotopes, which can be given either orally in liquid or capsule form or intravenously. The choice of administration route influences the timing of the imaging; if the radioactive tracer is taken orally, the imaging is typically conducted several hours to 24 hours later, allowing sufficient time for the tracer to be absorbed by the thyroid. Conversely, if administered intravenously, imaging occurs approximately 30 minutes post-injection. During the procedure, the patient is positioned supine on an examination table with their head tilted back to facilitate optimal imaging of the thyroid gland. A gamma camera is utilized to capture a series of images, which may also include the vascular flow of the thyroid if indicated. Following the imaging, a physician reviews the obtained images and generates a written report detailing the findings. Thyroid imaging can be performed independently or in conjunction with thyroid uptake studies, which evaluate the functional capacity of the thyroid gland by measuring its iodine absorption. The results from these imaging studies are crucial for diagnosing various thyroid conditions and guiding subsequent treatment decisions.