ICD-10-PCS Code For Whole Body: Procedure Code Group Overview

The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS) code group CW3N includes procedures performed to image anatomical regions in the whole body using positron emission tomographic techniques. These ICD-10-PCS codes are used for inpatient documentation when positron emission tomographic imaging of the whole body with radiopharmaceuticals is performed for diagnostic evaluation or staging. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-PCS CW3N group is essential for proper inpatient reimbursement, as it captures the procedure performed and determines appropriate case mix and payment.

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Whole Body Positron Emission Tomographic Imaging Procedure Overview

This procedure group includes inpatient positron emission tomographic imaging of the whole body using radiopharmaceuticals to create three-dimensional images from simultaneous emissions captured 180 degrees apart. These procedures target anatomical regions across the entire body and are performed within the Nuclear Medicine section. Accurate ICD-10-PCS coding ensures the inpatient record reflects the diagnostic imaging performed and supports appropriate case mix assignment and reimbursement.

Code Attributes

Character	ICD-10-PCS Category	Code Group Details
C	Section	Nuclear Medicine
W	Body System	Anatomical Regions
3	Operation	Positron Emission Tomographic (PET) Imaging
N	Body Part	Whole Body

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ICD-10-PCS Code For Whole Body: Procedure Code Group Overview

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Whole Body Positron Emission Tomographic Imaging Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

Character	ICD-10-PCS Category	Code Group Details
C	Section	Nuclear Medicine
W	Body System	Anatomical Regions
3	Operation	Positron Emission Tomographic (PET) Imaging
N	Body Part	Whole Body

When to Use

Use a code from this group when inpatient positron emission tomographic imaging of the whole body with radiopharmaceuticals is performed to evaluate disease, metastasis, or physiological function. Select the specific code when documentation confirms whole body imaging and the use of an applicable radionuclide for positron emission tomographic acquisition.

ICD-10-PCS Codes

1 rows

ICD-10-PCS Code	Description
CW3NYZZ	Positron Emission Tomographic (PET) Imaging of Whole Body using Other Radionuclide

Typical Clinical Scenarios

An elderly patient with newly diagnosed, rapidly progressing metastatic lung cancer is admitted for staging workup and symptom management after acute hypoxia; inpatient imaging is ordered to evaluate for extent of systemic metastatic disease and detect occult sites that will influence immediate treatment decisions. A whole-body PET scan using a non-FDG, alternative positron-emitting radionuclide is performed to obtain three-dimensional functional imaging across all anatomical regions. Typical codes: CW3NYZZ
A middle-aged patient hospitalized electively for evaluation of suspected recurrent colorectal cancer after rising tumor markers but equivocal prior CT; the inpatient stay is for coordinated diagnostic procedures and planning of therapy. Whole-body PET imaging with an investigational or other radionuclide is obtained to assess for whole-body metastatic disease and guide multidisciplinary treatment planning. Typical codes: CW3NYZZ
A hospitalized oncology patient develops new, unexplained bone pain and concern for widespread skeletal involvement during chemotherapy; clinicians request comprehensive whole-body functional imaging to rapidly determine disease burden and alter inpatient pain control and oncologic management. Whole-body positron emission tomographic imaging using an alternate radionuclide is performed to visualize whole-body metabolic activity and detect diffuse lesions. Typical codes: CW3NYZZ

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

1 rows

ICD-10-PCS Code	Description
CW3NYZZ	Positron Emission Tomographic (PET) Imaging of Whole Body using Other Radionuclide

Typical Clinical Scenarios

An elderly patient with newly diagnosed, rapidly progressing metastatic lung cancer is admitted for staging workup and symptom management after acute hypoxia; inpatient imaging is ordered to evaluate for extent of systemic metastatic disease and detect occult sites that will influence immediate treatment decisions. A whole-body PET scan using a non-FDG, alternative positron-emitting radionuclide is performed to obtain three-dimensional functional imaging across all anatomical regions. Typical codes: CW3NYZZ
A middle-aged patient hospitalized electively for evaluation of suspected recurrent colorectal cancer after rising tumor markers but equivocal prior CT; the inpatient stay is for coordinated diagnostic procedures and planning of therapy. Whole-body PET imaging with an investigational or other radionuclide is obtained to assess for whole-body metastatic disease and guide multidisciplinary treatment planning. Typical codes: CW3NYZZ
A hospitalized oncology patient develops new, unexplained bone pain and concern for widespread skeletal involvement during chemotherapy; clinicians request comprehensive whole-body functional imaging to rapidly determine disease burden and alter inpatient pain control and oncologic management. Whole-body positron emission tomographic imaging using an alternate radionuclide is performed to visualize whole-body metabolic activity and detect diffuse lesions. Typical codes: CW3NYZZ

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

ICD-10-PCS Code For Whole Body: Procedure Code Group Overview

Sign up for ICD-10-PCS Code For Whole Body: Procedure Code Group Overview policy alerts

Whole Body Positron Emission Tomographic Imaging Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

ICD-10-PCS Code For Whole Body: Procedure Code Group Overview

Sign up for ICD-10-PCS Code For Whole Body: Procedure Code Group Overview policy alerts

Whole Body Positron Emission Tomographic Imaging Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Which ICD-10-PCS code represents whole body PET imaging with other radionuclide?

In which ICD-10-PCS section and body system is whole body PET imaging coded?

For what clinical setting are the `CW3N` group codes used?

How does accurate coding of `CW3N` procedures affect reimbursement?

What imaging technique and target area are described by the `CW3N` procedure group?

References

When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Which ICD-10-PCS code represents whole body PET imaging with other radionuclide?

In which ICD-10-PCS section and body system is whole body PET imaging coded?

For what clinical setting are the `CW3N` group codes used?

How does accurate coding of `CW3N` procedures affect reimbursement?

What imaging technique and target area are described by the `CW3N` procedure group?

References