CPT® Code 78264

The gastric emptying imaging study, identified by CPT® Code 78264, is a diagnostic procedure that utilizes scintigraphy to evaluate gastric motility, which refers to the rate at which food, in both solid and liquid forms, exits the stomach and enters the small intestine. This noninvasive test employs a radiolabeled isotope tracer, specifically 99mTc-sulfur colloid, to track the movement of ingested materials through the gastrointestinal tract. The procedure is particularly useful in diagnosing conditions such as gastroparesis, a disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying, and is also indicated for patients presenting with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, or chronic aspiration. During the study, the isotope tracer is incorporated into a meal that the patient consumes orally. In cases where patients, such as infants or those unable to eat, cannot ingest the meal, the tracer can be administered through a nasal feeding tube or gastrostomy tube. Following ingestion, the patient is positioned on an imaging table, and a gamma camera is placed over the anterior abdomen to capture images at predetermined intervals. These images reflect the transit of the radiolabeled material from the stomach to the small intestine, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of gastric emptying. The physician is responsible for interpreting the results of the study and generating a detailed written report that outlines the findings, which are critical for guiding further clinical management.