CPT® Code 78015

A nuclear medicine study, identified by CPT® Code 78015, is specifically designed to assess the presence and extent of metastatic disease related to thyroid carcinoma. This imaging procedure utilizes radioactive iodine isotopes, commonly known as radioactive tracers, which can be administered either orally or intravenously. When the tracer is given orally, the imaging is conducted several hours later, allowing time for the tracer to circulate and accumulate in the body. In contrast, if the tracer is administered intravenously, the imaging occurs approximately 30 minutes post-administration. The fundamental principle behind this imaging technique is the detection of gamma rays emitted by the radioactive isotopes, which are captured by a gamma camera. This camera, in conjunction with computer processing, generates images that reveal the distribution of the radioactive material within the body. In the context of CPT® Code 78015, the focus is on a limited area, typically encompassing the neck and chest, where potential metastatic sites are evaluated. The gamma camera scans the specified region, tracking how the metastatic sites interact with the radioactive isotope. The resulting gamma images are processed and displayed on a computer screen for analysis. A physician subsequently reviews these images and compiles a written report detailing the findings of the study.