78226 Hepatobiliary system imaging
Also known as: HIDA scan, hepatobiliary imaging
Hepatobiliary system imaging performed to visualize liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, and small bowel using nuclear medicine.
In Plain Language
liver and bile duct scan; gallbladder function test
Clinical Context
Evaluates hepatic function, bile duct patency, and gallbladder contractility. Diagnoses cholecystitis, biliary obstruction, and bile leak.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.72 |
| Total RVU | 0.72 |
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 0.72, this code ranks in the 45th percentile among Radiology codes — 1.1x below the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 78226?
CPT 78226 (Hepatobiliary system imaging) is a Radiology code. Hepatobiliary system imaging performed to visualize liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, and small bowel using nuclear medicine.
Who uses CPT code 78226?
CPT 78226 is used by Nuclear Medicine, Gastroenterology, Radiology. Evaluates hepatic function, bile duct patency, and gallbladder contractility. Diagnoses cholecystitis, biliary obstruction, and bile leak.
When is CPT 78226 used?
Evaluates hepatic function, bile duct patency, and gallbladder contractility. Diagnoses cholecystitis, biliary obstruction, and bile leak.
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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.