Coding for a thyroid carcinoma metastases scan and calculate uptake

Q.

If we perform a thyroid carcinoma metastases scan and calculate uptake, can we assign both CPT^® codes 78018 and 78020, or just the solitary CPT code of 78020? 

A.

For your scenario, it would be correct to report both codes. CPT code 78020 is an add-on code and may not be reported by itself. The codes and full descriptions are as follows:

78018 Thyroid carcinoma metastases imaging; whole body

78020 Thyroid carcinoma metastases uptake (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)