CPT 78600
Global XXX ActiveBrain image < 4 views
CPT 78600 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 78600 (Brain image < 4 views) is classified under Radiology with a global period indicator of XXX. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 0.43, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 4.5, and a malpractice RVU of 0.06, a total non-facility RVU of 4.99 and facility RVU of 4.99. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $173.23, though rates vary from $144.51 to $233.75 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 78600, 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 78600 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 78600 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 78600
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 0.43 | 0.43 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.06 | 0.06 |
| Total RVU | 4.99 | 4.99 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 78600
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 | $193.81 | $193.81 | $180.41 - $233.75 | 29 |
| Florida | $169.07 | $169.07 | $161.07 - $175.9 | 3 |
| Georgia | $160.17 | $160.17 | $150.82 - $169.52 | 2 |
| Illinois | $163.48 | $163.48 | $154.72 - $172.38 | 4 |
| Michigan | $158.32 | $158.32 | $153.85 - $162.78 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $155.88 | $155.88 | $155.88 - $155.88 | 1 |
| New York | $185.45 | $185.45 | $158.56 - $197.71 | 5 |
| Ohio | $153.61 | $153.61 | $153.61 - $153.61 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $163.86 | $163.86 | $154.24 - $173.48 | 2 |
| Texas | $164.28 | $164.28 | $153 - $175.19 | 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 78600
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 78600 on the same date of service, review the modifier indicator and payer policy before submission.
| Partner Code | Relationship | Modifier Allowed | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0394T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Mutually exclusive procedures |
| 0395T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Mutually exclusive procedures |
| 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 78600
What does CPT code 78600 mean? +
CPT code 78600 represents: Brain image < 4 views. It's in the Radiology category with a global period of XXX.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 78600? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 78600 is $173.23. Rates range from $144.51 to $233.75 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 78600? +
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 78600? +
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 April 17, 2026.
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