Which CPT code is used for ureteral reflux study?

Which CPT code is used for ureteral reflux study?

• A. 78740
• B. 78715
• C. 78850
• D. 78720

Answer: (A)

Ureteral reflux studies are nuclear medicine renal scans aimed specifically at assessing reflux of urine from the bladder up into the ureters and kidneys, as well as how well urine drains. In CPT, there is a code that describes a renal scan performed to evaluate reflux and drainage abnormalities. That code is the one used when the test’s primary purpose is to examine vesicoureteral reflux and renal drainage function, making it the best match for this study. Using this code reflects the study’s intent to evaluate urinary tract reflux, not just general kidney imaging. The other codes describe different renal imaging procedures (such as static or non-reflux-specific renal scans or other renal function studies) and don’t capture the specific reflux evaluation, so they’re not as appropriate for a ureteral reflux study.

Ureteral reflux studies are nuclear medicine renal scans aimed specifically at assessing reflux of urine from the bladder up into the ureters and kidneys, as well as how well urine drains. In CPT, there is a code that describes a renal scan performed to evaluate reflux and drainage abnormalities. That code is the one used when the test’s primary purpose is to examine vesicoureteral reflux and renal drainage function, making it the best match for this study.

Using this code reflects the study’s intent to evaluate urinary tract reflux, not just general kidney imaging. The other codes describe different renal imaging procedures (such as static or non-reflux-specific renal scans or other renal function studies) and don’t capture the specific reflux evaluation, so they’re not as appropriate for a ureteral reflux study.