78813 Pet image full body
Also known as: whole body PET, full body PET
Positron emission tomography imaging of entire body for comprehensive metabolic assessment in malignancy detection and staging.
In Plain Language
full-body positron scan; complete metabolic imaging
Clinical Context
Extended imaging from head to feet for comprehensive cancer staging and detection of unsuspected metastases; most comprehensive PET protocol.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.00 |
| Total RVU | 2.00 |
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 2.00, this code ranks in the 90th percentile among Radiology codes — 2.5x the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 78813?
CPT 78813 (Pet image full body) is a Radiology code. Positron emission tomography imaging of entire body for comprehensive metabolic assessment in malignancy detection and staging.
Who uses CPT code 78813?
CPT 78813 is used by Nuclear Medicine, Oncology, Surgery. Extended imaging from head to feet for comprehensive cancer staging and detection of unsuspected metastases; most comprehensive PET protocol.
When is CPT 78813 used?
Extended imaging from head to feet for comprehensive cancer staging and detection of unsuspected metastases; most comprehensive PET protocol.
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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.