CPT code 78231 denotes a nuclear medicine diagnostic imaging study of the salivary glands performed with serial imaging following intravenous injection of a radiopharmaceutical. This test assesses salivary gland function and structural abnormalities and is commonly used in the evaluation of xerostomia, salivary gland obstruction, inflammatory conditions, and suspected gland dysfunction. Nationally, the code matters because it captures utilization of a specialized diagnostic modality that informs management decisions in otolaryngology, oral surgery, and rheumatology.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context for the procedure, typical sites of service, common claim modifiers, and the expected service line classification. The publication summarizes benchmark considerations and payer coverage practices where available, highlights relevant billing and coding implications for providers who perform or order salivary gland nuclear imaging, and identifies gaps in the available input data.

This national overview is intended for health plan analysts, coding professionals, and clinical leaders who need a clear synopsis of what CPT code 78231 represents, how it is used clinically, and which major public and commercial payers are relevant to coverage and claims processing.