78730 Urinary bladder retention
Also known as: bladder retention study, post-void residual imaging
Nuclear medicine imaging to evaluate urinary bladder retention and postvoid residual urine volume.
In Plain Language
bladder emptying test; urine remaining after urination test
Clinical Context
Used to assess incomplete bladder emptying in patients with urinary retention, neurogenic bladder, or obstructive symptoms; documents volume of urine remaining after voiding.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.15 |
| Total RVU | 0.15 |
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 0.15, this code ranks in the 1st percentile among Radiology codes — 5.4x below the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 78730?
CPT 78730 (Urinary bladder retention) is a Radiology code. Nuclear medicine imaging to evaluate urinary bladder retention and postvoid residual urine volume.
Who uses CPT code 78730?
CPT 78730 is used by Nuclear Medicine, Urology, Neurology. Used to assess incomplete bladder emptying in patients with urinary retention, neurogenic bladder, or obstructive symptoms; documents volume of urine remaining after voiding.
When is CPT 78730 used?
Used to assess incomplete bladder emptying in patients with urinary retention, neurogenic bladder, or obstructive symptoms; documents volume of urine remaining after voiding.
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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.