CPT 78020
Global ZZZ ActiveThyroid met uptake
CPT 78020 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 78020 (Thyroid met uptake) is classified under Radiology with a global period indicator of ZZZ. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 0.59, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 1.74, and a malpractice RVU of 0.04, a total non-facility RVU of 2.37 and facility RVU of 2.37. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $81.91, though rates vary from $70.32 to $106.4 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 78020, ensure documentation supports medical necessity and the specific components required for the code's level of service. For E/M codes, document MDM (medical decision-making) elements: problems addressed, data reviewed, and risk. For procedural codes, document the indication, technique, and any complications. Always verify NCCI edits before bundling 78020 with related codes; this code has 9 PTP bundling relationships on file (see table below).
Payment Status & Global Period
Active code (paid under MPFS)
Add-on code (global concept does not apply)
MUE Limit (Medically Unlikely Edits)
Submitting more than 1 units of 78020 for the same patient on the same date triggers automatic line denial unless an appropriate modifier and supporting documentation justify the higher quantity.
RVU Breakdown, CPT 78020
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 0.59 | 0.59 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 1.74 | 1.74 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.04 | 0.04 |
| Total RVU | 2.37 | 2.37 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 78020
State-level averages across all MAC localities. Non-facility rates typically apply to office-based services; facility rates apply to hospital outpatient / inpatient.
| State | Non-Facility | Facility | Range (Non-Fac) | Localities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $89.9 | $89.9 | $84.45 - $106.4 | 29 |
| Florida | $80.62 | $80.62 | $77.27 - $83.59 | 3 |
| Georgia | $76.78 | $76.78 | $73.14 - $80.42 | 2 |
| Illinois | $78.49 | $78.49 | $74.86 - $81.9 | 4 |
| Michigan | $76.16 | $76.16 | $74.28 - $78.04 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $74.78 | $74.78 | $74.78 - $74.78 | 1 |
| New York | $87.29 | $87.29 | $75.86 - $92.55 | 5 |
| Ohio | $74.11 | $74.11 | $74.11 - $74.11 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $78.24 | $78.24 | $74.32 - $82.16 | 2 |
| Texas | $78.27 | $78.27 | $73.83 - $82.42 | 8 |
Source: CMS PFSRVU 2026 · Updated 2026-04-01. Full locality-level detail available for all 53 states, contact us for custom reports.
NCCI Bundling Edits, CPT 78020
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 78020 on the same date of service, review the modifier indicator and payer policy before submission.
| Partner Code | Relationship | Modifier Allowed | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36005 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 36410 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 36591 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 36592 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 77790 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 78445 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 90780 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 90784 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 96523 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 78020
What does CPT code 78020 mean? +
CPT code 78020 represents: Thyroid met uptake. It's in the Radiology category with a global period of ZZZ.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 78020? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 78020 is $81.91. Rates range from $70.32 to $106.4 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 78020? +
Radiology codes rely heavily on the professional/technical split: modifier 26 (professional component only) and TC (technical component only). Also common: 50 (bilateral imaging), 76 (repeat by same physician), 77 (repeat by different physician), and LT/RT for laterality.
What bundling edits apply to CPT 78020? +
This code has 9 NCCI PTP bundling relationships. See the NCCI Bundling section below for full list.
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on May 31, 2026.
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