CPT code 78140 represents a diagnostic nuclear medicine procedure in which a patient’s own red blood cells are tagged with a radiopharmaceutical and used to image the liver and spleen. Nationally relevant for hospitals and imaging centers, this study aids in identifying ectopic splenic tissue, vascular lesions, and focal hepatic or splenic abnormalities that impact diagnosis and care planning. The code is used across hospital outpatient departments and dedicated nuclear medicine clinics where radiolabeled autologous erythrocyte imaging is available.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise review of the clinical context for the scan, typical sites of service, and standard billing considerations tied to CPT code 78140. The publication outlines national-level benchmarks and utilization patterns where available, summarizes payer coverage trends and prior authorization considerations, and highlights coding and documentation points important for accurate claims submission. Data not available in the input is noted where necessary. This summary is intended for billing managers, hospital administrators, and clinicians involved in diagnostic nuclear medicine coding and revenue cycle oversight.