78120 Red cell mass single
Also known as: red cell mass single, RBC mass study
Red blood cell mass measurement using single injection technique to quantify total circulating erythrocyte volume.
In Plain Language
red blood cell measurement; RBC volume test
Clinical Context
Quantifies total red cell mass to diagnose true versus relative polycythemia and assess for myeloproliferative disease.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.22 |
| Total RVU | 0.22 |
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 0.22, this code ranks in the 14th percentile among Radiology codes — 3.7x below the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 78120?
CPT 78120 (Red cell mass single) is a Radiology code. Red blood cell mass measurement using single injection technique to quantify total circulating erythrocyte volume.
Who uses CPT code 78120?
CPT 78120 is used by Nuclear Medicine, Hematology, Radiology. Quantifies total red cell mass to diagnose true versus relative polycythemia and assess for myeloproliferative disease.
When is CPT 78120 used?
Quantifies total red cell mass to diagnose true versus relative polycythemia and assess for myeloproliferative 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.