78601 Brain image with flow < 4 views
Also known as: brain scan with flow limited, cerebral flow imaging limited
Brain imaging with blood flow assessment and fewer than 4 views performed to evaluate cerebral perfusion.
In Plain Language
brain scan with blood flow few angles
Clinical Context
Dynamic cerebral flow assessment with limited imaging for acute stroke evaluation or focal perfusion abnormalities.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.50 |
| Total RVU | 0.50 |
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 0.50, this code ranks in the 29th percentile among Radiology codes — 1.6x below the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 78601?
CPT 78601 (Brain image with flow < 4 views) is a Radiology code. Brain imaging with blood flow assessment and fewer than 4 views performed to evaluate cerebral perfusion.
Who uses CPT code 78601?
CPT 78601 is used by Nuclear Medicine, Neurology, Radiology. Dynamic cerebral flow assessment with limited imaging for acute stroke evaluation or focal perfusion abnormalities.
When is CPT 78601 used?
Dynamic cerebral flow assessment with limited imaging for acute stroke evaluation or focal perfusion abnormalities.
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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.