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78496 Heart first pass add-on

Radiology +Add-on

Also known as: first pass add-on, first pass additional

First pass cardiac imaging performed as add-on study to provide additional hemodynamic information.

Clinical Context

Add-on first pass imaging appended to existing cardiac study to assess right ventricular function.

RVU Breakdown

Work RVU0.49
Total RVU0.49

Est. Medicare Payment

$16.37

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 0.49, this code ranks in the 29th percentile among Radiology codes — 1.7x below the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.

Specialties

Nuclear MedicineCardiologyRadiology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CPT code 78496?

CPT 78496 (Heart first pass add-on) is a Radiology code. First pass cardiac imaging performed as add-on study to provide additional hemodynamic information.

Who uses CPT code 78496?

CPT 78496 is used by Nuclear Medicine, Cardiology, Radiology. Add-on first pass imaging appended to existing cardiac study to assess right ventricular function.

When is CPT 78496 used?

Add-on first pass imaging appended to existing cardiac study to assess right ventricular function.

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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.