78481 Heart first pass single
Also known as: first pass study single, cardiac first pass imaging
First pass heart imaging performed with single imaging session to assess right ventricular function and intracardiac shunts.
In Plain Language
heart blood transit single scan
Clinical Context
Single rapid imaging session assessing right ventricular ejection fraction and detecting right-to-left shunts.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.96 |
| Total RVU | 0.96 |
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 0.96, this code ranks in the 56th percentile among Radiology codes — 1.2x the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 78481?
CPT 78481 (Heart first pass single) is a Radiology code. First pass heart imaging performed with single imaging session to assess right ventricular function and intracardiac shunts.
Who uses CPT code 78481?
CPT 78481 is used by Nuclear Medicine, Cardiology, Radiology. Single rapid imaging session assessing right ventricular ejection fraction and detecting right-to-left shunts.
When is CPT 78481 used?
Single rapid imaging session assessing right ventricular ejection fraction and detecting right-to-left shunts.
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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.