78579 Lung ventilation imaging
Also known as: lung ventilation scan, V/Q ventilation
Lung ventilation imaging performed using nuclear medicine to assess air movement and ventilation distribution.
In Plain Language
breathing ability test; air distribution imaging
Clinical Context
Evaluates lung ventilation distribution to diagnose ventilation defects in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.48 |
| Total RVU | 0.48 |
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 0.48, this code ranks in the 28th percentile among Radiology codes — 1.7x below the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 78579?
CPT 78579 (Lung ventilation imaging) is a Radiology code. Lung ventilation imaging performed using nuclear medicine to assess air movement and ventilation distribution.
Who uses CPT code 78579?
CPT 78579 is used by Nuclear Medicine, Pulmonology, Radiology. Evaluates lung ventilation distribution to diagnose ventilation defects in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
When is CPT 78579 used?
Evaluates lung ventilation distribution to diagnose ventilation defects in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
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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.