78015 Thyroid met imaging
Also known as: thyroid uptake scan, thyroid metabolic scan
Thyroid metabolic imaging performed using nuclear medicine to assess thyroid uptake and metabolic function.
In Plain Language
thyroid function test; nuclear medicine thyroid uptake
Clinical Context
Evaluates thyroid iodine uptake and metabolic activity to diagnose hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, or thyroid nodules. Commonly used in patients with suspected Graves disease or toxic nodules.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.65 |
| Total RVU | 0.65 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
Radiology codes require a written order, clinical indication, and a formal interpretation report. The professional component (modifier -26) and technical component (modifier -TC) may be billed separately.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 0.65, this code ranks in the 40th percentile among Radiology codes — 1.2x below the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 78015?
CPT 78015 (Thyroid met imaging) is a Radiology code. Thyroid metabolic imaging performed using nuclear medicine to assess thyroid uptake and metabolic function.
Who uses CPT code 78015?
CPT 78015 is used by Nuclear Medicine, Endocrinology, Radiology. Evaluates thyroid iodine uptake and metabolic activity to diagnose hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, or thyroid nodules. Commonly used in patients with suspected Graves disease or toxic nodules.
When is CPT 78015 used?
Evaluates thyroid iodine uptake and metabolic activity to diagnose hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, or thyroid nodules. Commonly used in patients with suspected Graves disease or toxic nodules.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.