Cpt Code For Diagnostic Thyroid Uptake Scan Nuclear Medicine
There are many reasons why you may need to undergo a diagnostic thyroid uptake scan. This procedure is used to diagnose a variety of thyroid conditions, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer. If your doctor has ordered this test for you, you may be wondering what it involves and what the CPT code is. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the CPT code for diagnostic thyroid uptake scan nuclear medicine.
What is a Diagnostic Thyroid Uptake Scan?
A diagnostic thyroid uptake scan is a type of nuclear medicine imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive material to create images of the thyroid gland. This test is used to evaluate the function of the thyroid gland and diagnose thyroid conditions. During the test, you will be given a small amount of radioactive iodine or technetium, which is taken up by the thyroid gland. The radiation emitted by the radioactive material is then detected by a special camera, which creates images of the thyroid gland.
What is the CPT Code for Diagnostic Thyroid Uptake Scan Nuclear Medicine?
The CPT code for diagnostic thyroid uptake scan nuclear medicine is 78014. This code is used to bill for the technical component of the test, which includes the use of the equipment and the radioactive material. If your doctor also interprets the images and provides a report, you may also be billed for the professional component of the test, which is billed using the CPT code 78015.
What to Expect During a Diagnostic Thyroid Uptake Scan?
Prior to the test, you may be asked to avoid certain foods and medications that may interfere with the test results. You will also need to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. During the test, you will lie on a table and a small amount of radioactive material will be injected into your vein or given to you in a pill form. You will then wait for several hours for the radioactive material to be taken up by the thyroid gland. After this waiting period, you will lie on a table while the special camera takes images of the thyroid gland. The test is painless and typically takes about 30 minutes to complete.
What are the Risks of a Diagnostic Thyroid Uptake Scan?
The amount of radiation used in a diagnostic thyroid uptake scan is very small and not considered harmful for most people. However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the test with your doctor. There is also a small risk of an allergic reaction to the radioactive material used in the test. If you experience any symptoms such as itching, hives, or difficulty breathing, you should inform the technologist immediately.
Conclusion
A diagnostic thyroid uptake scan is a valuable test that can help diagnose a variety of thyroid conditions. If your doctor has ordered this test for you, it is important to understand what it involves and what the CPT code is. The CPT code for diagnostic thyroid uptake scan nuclear medicine is 78014, which is used to bill for the technical component of the test. If you have any questions or concerns about this test, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.
