Separate diagnosis code not needed for absolute quantitation of myocardial blood flow (AQMBF) in PET

Q.

Since CPT^® code 78434 is an add-on code to myocardial perfusion PET, does it need a separate (different) diagnosis code from the PET scan?

A.

It should not need a separate diagnosis code, but as always, check LCDs or other payor policies to verify before billing. 

The code and full description are:

78434  Absolute quantitation of myocardial blood flow (AQMBF), positron emission tomography (PET), rest and pharmacologic stress (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)  

The primary codes for 78434 are 78431 and 78492.