78494 Heart image spect
Also known as: cardiac SPECT, myocardial SPECT
Heart imaging using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) performed to assess myocardial perfusion.
In Plain Language
heart SPECT imaging; tomographic heart scan
Clinical Context
Three-dimensional myocardial SPECT imaging for superior lesion detection and localization compared to planar imaging.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.16 |
| Total RVU | 1.16 |
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 1.16, this code ranks in the 66th percentile among Radiology codes — 1.4x the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 78494?
CPT 78494 (Heart image spect) is a Radiology code. Heart imaging using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) performed to assess myocardial perfusion.
Who uses CPT code 78494?
CPT 78494 is used by Nuclear Medicine, Cardiology, Radiology. Three-dimensional myocardial SPECT imaging for superior lesion detection and localization compared to planar imaging.
When is CPT 78494 used?
Three-dimensional myocardial SPECT imaging for superior lesion detection and localization compared to planar imaging.
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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.