78016 Thyroid met imaging/studies
Also known as: thyroid scan with additional studies, comprehensive thyroid imaging
Thyroid metabolic imaging with additional studies performed to evaluate thyroid function using nuclear medicine techniques.
In Plain Language
extended thyroid scan; detailed thyroid nuclear medicine study
Clinical Context
Provides more comprehensive thyroid assessment including uptake and imaging studies for complex thyroid conditions or when initial studies are inconclusive.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.80 |
| Total RVU | 0.80 |
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 0.80, this code ranks in the 49th percentile among Radiology codes — 1.0x below the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 78016?
CPT 78016 (Thyroid met imaging/studies) is a Radiology code. Thyroid metabolic imaging with additional studies performed to evaluate thyroid function using nuclear medicine techniques.
Who uses CPT code 78016?
CPT 78016 is used by Nuclear Medicine, Endocrinology, Radiology. Provides more comprehensive thyroid assessment including uptake and imaging studies for complex thyroid conditions or when initial studies are inconclusive.
When is CPT 78016 used?
Provides more comprehensive thyroid assessment including uptake and imaging studies for complex thyroid conditions or when initial studies are inconclusive.
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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.