CPT code 78453 represents a single planar nuclear medicine study of the heart performed to identify areas of deficient blood flow using two-dimensional imaging. This cardiac perfusion imaging code is used to localize regions of reduced myocardial blood supply and supports diagnostic decision-making for ischemia and other perfusion abnormalities. Nationally, accurate coding for cardiac nuclear studies impacts coverage decisions, utilization monitoring, and care pathways for patients with suspected coronary ischemia.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a clinical and billing-focused overview of the code, typical sites of service, common billing modifiers, and how CPT code 78453 fits into cardiac imaging service lines. The publication also outlines relevant benchmarks and policy considerations where available, and summarizes practical coding context for clinicians, billing staff, and policy analysts.

This report is written for a national audience and concentrates on clinical purpose, typical delivery settings, and payer relationships relevant to cardiac nuclear perfusion imaging using a single planar 2D approach. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.