78230 Salivary gland imaging
Also known as: salivary gland scan, sialocintigraphy
Salivary gland imaging performed using nuclear medicine to assess salivary gland function and anatomy.
In Plain Language
salivary gland test; spit gland imaging
Clinical Context
Evaluates salivary gland function, detects Sjögren syndrome, assesses obstruction, and identifies salivary gland tumors.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.44 |
| Total RVU | 0.44 |
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 0.44, this code ranks in the 25th percentile among Radiology codes — 1.8x below the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 78230?
CPT 78230 (Salivary gland imaging) is a Radiology code. Salivary gland imaging performed using nuclear medicine to assess salivary gland function and anatomy.
Who uses CPT code 78230?
CPT 78230 is used by Nuclear Medicine, Otolaryngology, Radiology. Evaluates salivary gland function, detects Sjögren syndrome, assesses obstruction, and identifies salivary gland tumors.
When is CPT 78230 used?
Evaluates salivary gland function, detects Sjögren syndrome, assesses obstruction, and identifies salivary gland tumors.
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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.