78650 Csf leakage imaging
Also known as: CSF leak imaging, rhinorrhea detection
Cerebrospinal fluid leakage imaging performed to detect and localize cerebrospinal fluid leak.
In Plain Language
spinal fluid leak test; brain fluid leak detection
Clinical Context
Detects and localizes cerebrospinal fluid leaks from ears or nose (rhinorrhea/otorrhea).
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.59 |
| Total RVU | 0.59 |
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 0.59, this code ranks in the 38th percentile among Radiology codes — 1.4x below the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 78650?
CPT 78650 (Csf leakage imaging) is a Radiology code. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage imaging performed to detect and localize cerebrospinal fluid leak.
Who uses CPT code 78650?
CPT 78650 is used by Nuclear Medicine, Otolaryngology, Radiology. Detects and localizes cerebrospinal fluid leaks from ears or nose (rhinorrhea/otorrhea).
When is CPT 78650 used?
Detects and localizes cerebrospinal fluid leaks from ears or nose (rhinorrhea/otorrhea).
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against national data — all in one app.
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.