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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesAdministrative, Miscellaneous and InvestigationalHCPCS hcpcs-a9540-technetium-tc-99m-macroaggregated-albumin-lung-perfusion
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    HCPCS Level II A9540: Technetium tc-99m Macroaggregated Albumin, Diagnostic

    HCPCS Level II code A9540 describes a diagnostic radiopharmaceutical dose of technetium tc-99m macroaggregated albumin, billed per study dose (up to 10 millicuries) and typically used for nuclear medicine perfusion imaging procedures administered in outpatient imaging centers or hospital nuclear medicine departments.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Interferential Stimulation Devices (for home use), Durable Medical Equipment (DME): Tumor Treating Fields (Alternating Electric Field Therapy) Medical Guideline, Durable Medical Equipment (DME): Bone Growth Stimulators Medical Guideline.

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A typical patient is an adult referred for a ventilation–perfusion (V/Q) scintigraphy or lung perfusion scan to evaluate pulmonary embolism, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, preoperative assessment for lung resection, or assessment of regional pulmonary perfusion. The patient arrives at a nuclear medicine department in an outpatient imaging center or hospital radiology/nuclear medicine suite. After identification and consent, a technologist confirms indications and allergies, reviews recent contrast studies or anticoagulation status, and prepares the radiopharmaceutical. A dose of Technetium Tc-99m MAA (up to 10 millicuries per study dose, billed as A9540) is drawn under radiation safety protocols and injected intravenously. Imaging is performed with a gamma camera to obtain planar and/or SPECT images of pulmonary perfusion. A nuclear medicine physician interprets the study, generates a report, and documents findings and the injected activity. The technologist documents lot number, activity administered, route, time, and any complications. Typical sites of service are outpatient hospital radiology departments, freestanding imaging centers, and inpatient hospital units when clinically indicated.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    71045Radiologic examination, chest, single view, frontal; performed when chest radiographs are indicated as initial imaging for pulmonary symptoms prior to or concurrent with nuclear study.Chest x-ray is commonly obtained prior to V/Q imaging to evaluate for alternate causes and to interpret perfusion defects.
    78582Pulmonary ventilation or perfusion study, quantitative, planar with reportUsed for quantification of regional pulmonary perfusion; may be billed in conjunction with A9540 depending on payer rules and whether ventilation or additional quantitative perfusion imaging is performed.
    78803Nuclear medicine, lung perfusion (including ventilation if performed), planar; perfusion onlyRepresents the nuclear medicine imaging procedure for lung perfusion and is commonly reported alongside the radiopharmaceutical supply code A9540.
    78999Unlisted diagnostic nuclear medicine procedureUsed when a specific imaging protocol or a novel quantitative calculation related to perfusion is performed that does not map to an established CPT code.
    71046Radiologic examination, chest, 2 viewsAlternate chest radiograph code if two views are obtained to aid interpretation of the perfusion study.

    Related Modifiers

    5 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    59Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    78CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy CodeSpecialtyNotes
    207RC0000XCardiovascular Disease PhysicianAn internist who specializes in diseases of the heart and blood vessels and manages complex cardiac conditions such as heart attacks and life-threaten…
    2279S1500XSNF/Subacute Care Registered Respiratory TherapistCare of residents in a long-term care environment. Respiratory modalities delivered include those similar in the general care and critical care areas…
    2251N0400XNeurology Physical TherapistA licensed physical therapist, including but not limited to an individual who is a Board Certified Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, who has …
    126800000XDental AssistantAn individual who may or may not have completed an accredited dental assisting education program and who aids the dentist in providing patient care se…
    364SP0813XGeropsychiatric Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse SpecialistPhysician Assistants & Advanced Practice Nursing Providers · Clinical Nurse Specialist
    106E00000XAssistant Behavior AnalystAn assistant behavior analyst is qualified by Behavior Analyst Certification Board certification and/or a state-issued license or credential in behavi…
    1835P2201XAmbulatory Care PharmacistA licensed pharmacist who has demonstrated specialized knowledge and skill in the provision of integrated, accessible health care services by pharmaci…
    207R00000XInternal Medicine PhysicianA physician who provides long-term, comprehensive care in the office and the hospital, managing both common and complex illness of adolescents, adults…

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    27 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    C34.90Malignant neoplasm of unspecified part of unspecified bronchus or lung
    C78.7Secondary malignant neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile duct
    I26.99Other pulmonary embolism without acute cor pulmonale
    I27.82Chronic pulmonary embolism
    I27.89Other specified pulmonary heart diseases
    I50.9Heart failure, unspecified
    I74.3Embolism and thrombosis of arteries of the lower extremities
    I80.201Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of unspecified deep vessels of right lower extremity
    I82.409Acute embolism and thrombosis of unspecified deep veins of unspecified lower extremity
    I83.90Asymptomatic varicose veins of unspecified lower extremity

    Showing 1–10 of 27

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Durable Medical Equipment (DME)1 / 3

    5 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Interferential Stimulation Devices (for home use)Moda Health2026-10-01
    Durable Medical Equipment (DME): Tumor Treating Fields (Alternating Electric Field Therapy) Medical GuidelineWPS Health Insurance2026-10-01
    Durable Medical Equipment (DME): Bone Growth Stimulators Medical GuidelineWPS Health Insurance2026-10-01
    General Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Medical GuidelineWPS Health Insurance2026-10-01
    Prior Authorization for Durable Medical Equipment (DME)Blue Cross Blue Shield - Rhode Island2026-10-01

    Related Codes

    HCPCS-A9150-NON-PRESCRIPTION-DRUGS

    HCPCS Level II A9150: Non-prescription Drugs

    HCPCS-A9152-SINGLE-ORAL-VITAMIN-MINERAL-DOSE

    HCPCS A9152: Single Oral Vitamin/Mineral/Trace Element

    HCPCS-A9153-MULTIVITAMIN-ORAL-PER-DOSE

    HCPCS A9153: Multiple Vitamins, Oral, Per Dose

    HCPCS-A9154-ARTIFICIAL-SALIVA-1ML

    HCPCS Level II A9154: Artificial saliva, 1 ml

    HCPCS-A9155-ARTIFICIAL-SALIVA-30ML

    HCPCS Level II A9155: Artificial Saliva, 30 mL

    HCPCS-A9156-ORAL-MUCOADHESIVE-PER-1ML

    HCPCS Level II A9156: Oral Mucoadhesive, Per 1 ml

    HCPCS-A9180-PEDICULOSIS-TOPICAL-TREATMENT-PATIENT-ADMINISTRATION

    HCPCS Level II A9180: Pediculosis Topical Treatment for Patient/Caretaker

    HCPCS-A9268-PROGRAMMER-TRANSIENT-INGESTED-CAPSULE

    HCPCS Level II A9268: Programmer for Transient Orally Ingested Capsule

    HCPCS-A9269-PROGRAMMABLE-TRANSIENT-ORAL-CAPSULE

    HCPCS Level II A9269: Programmable Orally Ingested Capsule, Per Month

    HCPCS-A9270-NON-COVERED-ITEM-OR-SERVICE

    HCPCS A9270: Non-covered Item or Service

    Showing 1–10 of 138

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 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. 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. 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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