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78701 Kidney imaging with flow

Radiology

Also known as: renal flow imaging, kidney blood flow scan

Nuclear medicine imaging of kidney with renal blood flow assessment to evaluate both morphology and renal perfusion.

In Plain Language

kidney blood flow test; kidney blood supply imaging

Clinical Context

Evaluates renal perfusion in addition to structure; used for suspected renal artery stenosis, trauma, or renal transplant complications.

RVU Breakdown

Work RVU0.48
Total RVU0.48

Est. Medicare Payment

$16.03

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

Nuclear MedicineUrologyVascular Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CPT code 78701?

CPT 78701 (Kidney imaging with flow) is a Radiology code. Nuclear medicine imaging of kidney with renal blood flow assessment to evaluate both morphology and renal perfusion.

Who uses CPT code 78701?

CPT 78701 is used by Nuclear Medicine, Urology, Vascular Surgery. Evaluates renal perfusion in addition to structure; used for suspected renal artery stenosis, trauma, or renal transplant complications.

When is CPT 78701 used?

Evaluates renal perfusion in addition to structure; used for suspected renal artery stenosis, trauma, or renal transplant complications.

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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.