78597 Lung perfusion differential
Also known as: differential perfusion study
Lung perfusion imaging with differential measurement performed to assess relative blood flow between lungs.
In Plain Language
separate lung blood flow comparison
Clinical Context
Quantifies relative perfusion contribution of each lung to detect asymmetric pulmonary blood flow disease.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.73 |
| Total RVU | 0.73 |
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 0.73, this code ranks in the 46th percentile among Radiology codes — 1.1x below the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 78597?
CPT 78597 (Lung perfusion differential) is a Radiology code. Lung perfusion imaging with differential measurement performed to assess relative blood flow between lungs.
Who uses CPT code 78597?
CPT 78597 is used by Nuclear Medicine, Pulmonology, Radiology. Quantifies relative perfusion contribution of each lung to detect asymmetric pulmonary blood flow disease.
When is CPT 78597 used?
Quantifies relative perfusion contribution of each lung to detect asymmetric pulmonary blood flow disease.
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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.