78811 Pet image ltd area
Also known as: PET scan limited, PET limited area
Positron emission tomography imaging limited to single body area for tumor detection and metabolic assessment.
In Plain Language
positron scanning limited area; metabolic imaging one area
Clinical Context
Single-region PET imaging for focused evaluation of suspected malignancy or metabolic abnormality; lower cost than whole-body imaging.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.54 |
| Total RVU | 1.54 |
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 1.54, this code ranks in the 78th percentile among Radiology codes — 1.9x the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 78811?
CPT 78811 (Pet image ltd area) is a Radiology code. Positron emission tomography imaging limited to single body area for tumor detection and metabolic assessment.
Who uses CPT code 78811?
CPT 78811 is used by Nuclear Medicine, Oncology, Cardiology. Single-region PET imaging for focused evaluation of suspected malignancy or metabolic abnormality; lower cost than whole-body imaging.
When is CPT 78811 used?
Single-region PET imaging for focused evaluation of suspected malignancy or metabolic abnormality; lower cost than whole-body imaging.
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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.