CPT code 78071 denotes a nuclear medicine SPECT study targeted at the parathyroid glands that includes paired planar images after administration of two distinct radiopharmaceuticals, with optional subtraction imaging to localize abnormal tissue. This diagnostic service is important nationally for patients with suspected hyperparathyroidism or ectopic parathyroid tissue, informing surgical planning and management decisions. Payers commonly covering this service in national analyses include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.

Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical purpose of CPT code 78071, typical settings where the service is rendered, and payer coverage context. The publication summarizes billing and coding considerations, common modifiers, and how this study fits within nuclear medicine service lines. It also highlights benchmarks and policy updates relevant to reimbursement and utilization where available, and explains clinical context for interpreting results and downstream care implications. Data not included in the input (such as specific ICD-10 pairings, associated taxonomies, and related codes) are noted as unavailable.