CPT code 78434 covers PET myocardial perfusion imaging performed at both rest and stress to measure myocardial blood flow, with stress induced pharmacologically. Nationally, this imaging code is important for advanced functional cardiac evaluation, particularly in patients where quantification of myocardial blood flow influences diagnosis, risk stratification, and management of ischemic heart disease. The code is reported alongside the primary PET procedure code and is typically billed from hospital outpatient imaging centers or freestanding PET/CT facilities.

Key payers included in this analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of clinical context for PET myocardial perfusion, standard reporting relationships for the code (reported in conjunction with the primary PET procedure), and typical sites of service. The publication summarizes national benchmarks and payer coverage patterns where available, identifies common billing and coding considerations, and highlights recent policy and utilization trends affecting cardiac PET services. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.