CPT® Code 78258

Esophageal motility refers to the assessment of the movement and function of the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. This evaluation is conducted using a technique known as scintigraphy, which involves the use of a radiolabeled isotope tracer, such as 99mTC-sulfur colloid. The primary purpose of this test is to investigate symptoms that are suspected to originate from the esophagus, helping to diagnose various conditions that may disrupt the normal transit of food from the pharynx to the stomach. Conditions such as scleroderma, esophageal stricture, and achalasia can significantly affect esophageal motility, leading to difficulties in swallowing and other gastrointestinal issues. The procedure is non-invasive and involves the patient ingesting a liquid or semi-solid substance that contains the isotope tracer. During the test, the patient is positioned on an imaging table, and a gamma camera is placed over the anterior neck, chest, and abdomen to capture images. Scanning occurs at predetermined intervals to monitor the movement of the ingested material through the esophagus, and the radioactive energy emitted during this process is transformed into visual images. Following the completion of the study, the physician interprets the results and generates a comprehensive written report detailing the findings of the esophageal motility assessment.