CPT® Code 78266

The CPT® Code 78266 refers to a gastric emptying imaging study that assesses the transit of materials through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, specifically focusing on both the small bowel and colon over multiple days. This procedure utilizes scintigraphy, a diagnostic imaging technique that employs radiolabeled isotope tracers to visualize and measure gastric motility. The study is noninvasive and is designed to evaluate how well the stomach empties its contents into the small intestine and how quickly materials move through the small bowel and colon. It is particularly useful in diagnosing conditions such as gastroparesis, which is characterized by delayed gastric emptying, as well as other gastrointestinal disorders including dyspepsia, abdominal pain, bloating, chronic diarrhea or constipation, idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, scleroderma, celiac disease, and malabsorption syndrome. During the procedure, the patient ingests a meal that contains the isotope tracer, which can be suspended in either solid or liquid form. For patients who are unable to consume food orally, such as infants or individuals with feeding difficulties, 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 used to capture images of the GI tract at predetermined intervals, allowing for the assessment of the movement of the ingested material. The results of the study are interpreted by a physician, who then provides a comprehensive written report detailing the findings.