Question:
Question:
We assign CPT code 78608 for all PET brain studies (for identification of epilepsy, tumor and Alzheimer’s or dementia) where FDG is used. I assume 78608 is the correct code to assign because FDG is a metabolic agent.
Answer:
Answer:
Yes, if brain-only studies are done using FDG, then 78608 would be the appropriate code, regardless of the clinical indication. For Beta-amyloid imaging for Alzheimer’s or dementia, you would use 78811 or 78814 instead of 78608.
78608 Brain imaging, PET metabolic evaluation
78811 PET imaging; limited area (e.g., chest, head/neck)
78814 PET with concurrently acquired computed tomography for attenuation correction and anatomical localization imaging; limited area (e.g., chest, head/neck)