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Official Description

Pulmonary ventilation imaging, aerosol; single projection

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 78586 refers to a specific diagnostic imaging procedure known as pulmonary ventilation imaging, which utilizes an aerosolized radioactive gas. During this procedure, the patient inhales and exhales the radioactive gas, allowing for the visualization of the lungs and airways through specialized imaging technology. The physician employs a camera capable of detecting the emitted radioactive particles, which provides critical insights into the patient's lung function and identifies any potential obstructions within the airway. This imaging technique is essential for assessing respiratory conditions and determining the overall health of the lungs. It is important to note that if the patient undergoes a series of inhalations and exhalations while images are captured, the appropriate code to use would be 78587, which corresponds to multiple projections of the pulmonary ventilation imaging.

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