CPT® Code 78070

Parathyroid planar imaging is a diagnostic imaging procedure that involves the use of a radiopharmaceutical, specifically technetium-99m (TC-99) sestamibi, which is administered intravenously. This imaging technique is primarily utilized to assess the parathyroid glands, which are small endocrine glands located near the thyroid gland that play a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the body. The procedure begins with the initial acquisition of planar images shortly after the radiopharmaceutical is injected. These images are critical for evaluating any increased uptake of the radiotracer in the parathyroid tissue compared to the surrounding thyroid tissue, which can indicate the presence of parathyroid disease. Following the initial imaging, additional images are captured approximately two hours later to assess the retention of the radiotracer in the parathyroid glands. In cases where subtraction studies are indicated, a second radiopharmaceutical that is selectively taken up by the thyroid gland, such as iodine-123 (I-123) or technetium-99m pertechnetate, is administered. This allows for the generation of subtraction images that can enhance the visualization of the parathyroid glands by eliminating the background signal from the thyroid. Recent advancements in parathyroid planar imaging have integrated the use of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with concurrent computed tomography (CT) imaging. This combination improves the sensitivity of the procedure by providing both functional and anatomical information, thereby enhancing the accuracy of diagnosing parathyroid conditions. For coding purposes, CPT® Code 78070 is designated for parathyroid planar imaging performed alone, while codes 78071 and 78072 are used when this imaging is combined with SPECT studies or with both SPECT and CT imaging, respectively.