78812 Pet image skull-thigh
Also known as: PET skull-to-thigh, standard PET
Positron emission tomography imaging from skull base to proximal thigh for comprehensive metabolic assessment of malignancy.
In Plain Language
positron scan from neck to hip; metabolic imaging standard range
Clinical Context
Standard torso PET imaging protocol covering high-yield regions; typical for oncologic staging and metabolic evaluation.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.93 |
| Total RVU | 1.93 |
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 1.93, this code ranks in the 88th percentile among Radiology codes — 2.4x the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 78812?
CPT 78812 (Pet image skull-thigh) is a Radiology code. Positron emission tomography imaging from skull base to proximal thigh for comprehensive metabolic assessment of malignancy.
Who uses CPT code 78812?
CPT 78812 is used by Nuclear Medicine, Oncology, Internal Medicine. Standard torso PET imaging protocol covering high-yield regions; typical for oncologic staging and metabolic evaluation.
When is CPT 78812 used?
Standard torso PET imaging protocol covering high-yield regions; typical for oncologic staging and metabolic evaluation.
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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.