CPT 78803
Radiopharmaceutical tumor localization with SPECT imaging, single area
Last reviewed August 2026 · DataLily AI data team
What does CPT 78803 mean?
CPT 78803 reports tomographic (SPECT) nuclear medicine imaging to localize a tumor, inflammatory process, or distribution of a radiopharmaceutical agent, covering a single area on a single day of imaging.
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CPT 78803 at a glance
- Code
- 78803
- Code type
- CPT/HCPCS
- Short descriptor
- Rp loclzj tum spect 1 area
- Category
- ASC Ancillary
- ASC eligibility
- ASC-eligible (ancillary)
- Typical setting
- Ambulatory surgery center (POS 24) or hospital outpatient department (POS 22).
- Medicare ASC rate
- $299.90 national · 2026Q2
What is CPT code 78803?
CPT 78803 reports tomographic (SPECT) nuclear medicine imaging to localize a tumor, inflammatory process, or distribution of a radiopharmaceutical agent, covering a single area on a single day of imaging. Its official short descriptor is "Rp loclzj tum spect 1 area", and in the ASC context it is grouped under ASC Ancillary.
Is CPT 78803 eligible in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC)?
CPT 78803 is an ancillary service that can be provided in the ASC setting when it supports a surgical procedure.
Where is CPT 78803 typically performed?
Ambulatory surgery center (POS 24) or hospital outpatient department (POS 22).
What is the Medicare ASC payment rate for CPT 78803?
The national Medicare ASC payment rate for CPT 78803 is $299.90 (Medicare ASC Payment System, 2026Q2). This is the national, unadjusted Medicare amount; the amount an individual ambulatory surgery center is paid is adjusted for local wage index and may differ. It reflects Medicare's facility payment only and does not include the surgeon's professional fee.
Which specialties use CPT 78803?
CPT 78803 is most associated with Diagnostic Radiology.
Reference information about ASC eligibility and typical procedure setting. Codes, descriptors, and ASC-eligibility status change over time. This is a coding reference, not billing, coding, or legal advice. Always verify against current guidance and individual payer policy before scheduling or billing. CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Read the DataLily AI data methodology.