78020 Thyroid met uptake
Also known as: thyroid uptake measurement, thyroid RAIU
Thyroid metabolic uptake measurement performed using nuclear medicine to quantify thyroid iodine uptake.
In Plain Language
thyroid uptake test; radioactive iodine uptake measurement
Clinical Context
Quantitative assessment of thyroid iodine uptake to differentiate thyroiditis from hyperthyroidism and assess severity of thyroid disease.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.59 |
| Total RVU | 0.59 |
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 0.59, this code ranks in the 38th percentile among Radiology codes — 1.4x below the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 78020?
CPT 78020 (Thyroid met uptake) is a Radiology code. Thyroid metabolic uptake measurement performed using nuclear medicine to quantify thyroid iodine uptake.
Who uses CPT code 78020?
CPT 78020 is used by Nuclear Medicine, Endocrinology, Radiology. Quantitative assessment of thyroid iodine uptake to differentiate thyroiditis from hyperthyroidism and assess severity of thyroid disease.
When is CPT 78020 used?
Quantitative assessment of thyroid iodine uptake to differentiate thyroiditis from hyperthyroidism and assess severity of thyroid disease.
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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.