78291 Pertl-ven shunt patency test
Also known as: shunt patency study, VP shunt study
Peritoneal-venous shunt patency test performed to evaluate ventriculoperitoneal (VP) or peritoneovenous shunt function.
In Plain Language
shunt function test; drainage shunt imaging
Clinical Context
Evaluates shunt patency and function in patients with VP shunts or peritoneovenous shunts. Diagnoses shunt malfunction.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.86 |
| Total RVU | 0.86 |
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 0.86, this code ranks in the 53rd percentile among Radiology codes — 1.1x the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 78291?
CPT 78291 (Pertl-ven shunt patency test) is a Radiology code. Peritoneal-venous shunt patency test performed to evaluate ventriculoperitoneal (VP) or peritoneovenous shunt function.
Who uses CPT code 78291?
CPT 78291 is used by Nuclear Medicine, Neurosurgery, Radiology. Evaluates shunt patency and function in patients with VP shunts or peritoneovenous shunts. Diagnoses shunt malfunction.
When is CPT 78291 used?
Evaluates shunt patency and function in patients with VP shunts or peritoneovenous shunts. Diagnoses shunt malfunction.
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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.