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Hepatic Shunt Study

Date: Jan 16, 2015

Question:

How would I code the NM study performed in conjunction with a pre-Yttrium MAA injection? We coded the following report as 78201. "NM liver imaging static hepatic shunt study. 3mCi of 99mTc MAA was administered into the hepatic artery by the staff. Subsequent images of the liver and lungs were performed with calculation of a lung to liver shunt fraction. It was calculated that 2.25% of the administered activity into the hepatic artery appeared in the lungs. The remainder of the activity visualized appears to reflect elution of pertechnetate judging from its biodistribution. Impression: Negative intrahepatic shunt study, shunt fraction calculated at 2.25%."

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