79440 Nuclear prescription intra-articular
Also known as: intra-articular nuclear therapy, radiosynovectomy
Nuclear medicine therapeutic treatment with radiopharmaceutical injected intra-articularly into joint space for inflammatory or malignant disease.
In Plain Language
radioactive joint injection; nuclear medicine for joint pain
Clinical Context
Direct injection of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals into joints for treatment of chronic synovitis or juvenile idiopathic arthritis; used when medical management fails.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.94 |
| Total RVU | 1.94 |
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 1.94, this code ranks in the 89th 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 79440?
CPT 79440 (Nuclear prescription intra-articular) is a Radiology code. Nuclear medicine therapeutic treatment with radiopharmaceutical injected intra-articularly into joint space for inflammatory or malignant disease.
Who uses CPT code 79440?
CPT 79440 is used by Nuclear Medicine, Rheumatology, Orthopedic Surgery. Direct injection of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals into joints for treatment of chronic synovitis or juvenile idiopathic arthritis; used when medical management fails.
When is CPT 79440 used?
Direct injection of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals into joints for treatment of chronic synovitis or juvenile idiopathic arthritis; used when medical management fails.
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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.