CPT 78451
Global XXX ActiveHt muscle image spect sing
CPT 78451 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 78451 (Ht muscle image spect sing) is classified under Radiology with a global period indicator of XXX. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 1.35, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 7.87, and a malpractice RVU of 0.1, a total non-facility RVU of 9.32 and facility RVU of 9.32. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $323.21, though rates vary from $272.61 to $430.89 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 78451, 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 78451 with related codes; this code has 10 PTP bundling relationships on file (see table below).
Payment Status & Global Period
Active code (paid under MPFS)
No global period (E/M and other non-procedural services)
MUE Limit (Medically Unlikely Edits)
Submitting more than 1 units of 78451 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 78451
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 1.35 | 1.35 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 7.87 | 7.87 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Total RVU | 9.32 | 9.32 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 78451
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 | $359.56 | $359.56 | $335.75 - $430.89 | 29 |
| Florida | $315.33 | $315.33 | $301.41 - $327.18 | 3 |
| Georgia | $299.93 | $299.93 | $283.55 - $316.31 | 2 |
| Illinois | $305.63 | $305.63 | $290.31 - $321.29 | 4 |
| Michigan | $296.63 | $296.63 | $288.86 - $304.39 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $292.48 | $292.48 | $292.48 - $292.48 | 1 |
| New York | $345.02 | $345.02 | $297.16 - $366.73 | 5 |
| Ohio | $288.45 | $288.45 | $288.45 - $288.45 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $306.54 | $306.54 | $289.56 - $323.53 | 2 |
| Texas | $307.23 | $307.23 | $287.4 - $326.25 | 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 78451
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 78451 on the same date of service, review the modifier indicator and payer policy before submission.
| Partner Code | Relationship | Modifier Allowed | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0541T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | More extensive procedure |
| 0542T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | More extensive procedure |
| 0694T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 0708T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0709T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 36000 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 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 | CPT Separate procedure definition |
| 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 78451
What does CPT code 78451 mean? +
CPT code 78451 represents: Ht muscle image spect sing. It's in the Radiology category with a global period of XXX.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 78451? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 78451 is $323.21. Rates range from $272.61 to $430.89 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 78451? +
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 78451? +
This code has 10 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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