Radiology Question for the Week of December 22, 2025

Question:

Can we charge for 78999 “Unlisted miscellaneous procedure, diagnostic nuclear medicine” to reflect the administration of the radiopharmaceutical given for diagnostic purposes?

Answer:

No. CPT® code 78999 (Unlisted diagnostic nuclear medicine procedure) may not be reported to reflect the IV administration of a diagnostic radiopharmaceutical. Administration for diagnostic nuclear medicine studies is inherent to the procedure itself.
CPT 79101 is also not appropriate, as it is reserved strictly for therapeutic radiopharmaceutical administration—not diagnostic studies. For diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures in the 78000 series:

• Oral and IV administration of the radiopharmaceutical is bundled into the procedure unless the CPT codebook specifically states otherwise.
• Only intra-arterial, intracavitary, or intra-articular administration may be reported separately.
• Imaging guidance may be reported separately when applicable