78815 Pet image with CT skull-thigh
Also known as: PET-CT skull-to-thigh, standard PET-CT
Positron emission tomography imaging from skull base to proximal thigh with integrated computed tomography for hybrid metabolic-anatomic evaluation.
In Plain Language
positron and CT scan neck to hip; combined metabolic-anatomic imaging standard
Clinical Context
Standard hybrid PET-CT imaging combining physiologic and anatomic data; gold standard for most oncologic staging applications.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.44 |
| Total RVU | 2.44 |
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 2.44, this code ranks in the 95th percentile among Radiology codes — 3.0x the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 78815?
CPT 78815 (Pet image with CT skull-thigh) is a Radiology code. Positron emission tomography imaging from skull base to proximal thigh with integrated computed tomography for hybrid metabolic-anatomic evaluation.
Who uses CPT code 78815?
CPT 78815 is used by Nuclear Medicine, Oncology, Radiology. Standard hybrid PET-CT imaging combining physiologic and anatomic data; gold standard for most oncologic staging applications.
When is CPT 78815 used?
Standard hybrid PET-CT imaging combining physiologic and anatomic data; gold standard for most oncologic staging applications.
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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.