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CPT 78483: Initial nuclear imaging assessing the heart's pumping function by measuring blood volume ejected per cycle - Prior Authorization and Price

CPT code 78483 is Initial nuclear imaging assessing the heart's pumping function by measuring blood volume ejected per cycle. See what Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare look for before approving it, the conditions their guidelines cover, and what it typically costs.

CPT 78483

Initial nuclear imaging assessing the heart's pumping function by measuring blood volume ejected per cycle.

Nuclear Medicine
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Payer guidelines that apply

PayerReviewed usingGuidelineSections
Aetna eviCore
Cardiac Imaging Guidelines 2.0.2026, effective Sep 1, 2026
3 that name this code
Anthem BCBS Carelon
Imaging of the heart effective Nov 15, 2025
5 that name this code
Cigna eviCore
Cardiac Imaging Guidelines 2.0.2026, effective Sep 1, 2026
Pediatric Cardiac Imaging Guidelines 1.0.2026, effective Feb 3, 2026
3 that name this code
Medicare CMS — None found
Original Medicare does not run a prior authorization program for outpatient imaging; claims are judged against the coverage policies above. Medicare Advantage plans set their own prior authorization rules.
UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare / eviCore 3 that name this code

Guidelines collected from the payers' published documents on September 29, 2026. Payers revise these documents during the year. Open the guideline link to confirm the current version before you submit.

Conditions the guidelines address for this study

These are the clinical situations where payer guidelines discuss Initial nuclear imaging assessing the heart's pumping function by measuring blood volume ejected per cycle. Each has its own criteria for when the study is considered appropriate.

  • Congenital heart disease Anthem BCBS
  • Coronary artery disease (applies to patients with established CAD) Anthem BCBS
  • Evaluation of left ventricular function Anthem BCBS
  • Evaluation of right ventricular function Anthem BCBS
  • Valvular heart disease Anthem BCBS

Typical price

Commercial insurance, median
$603
Middle half of rates: $485 to $853
Medicare, hospital outpatient
$555
Facility payment
Medicare, physician fee schedule
$221
National, non-facility

Commercial figures come from negotiated rates published by 449 hospitals; Medicare figures from CMS fee schedules. Rates vary widely by hospital and plan. Pricing data from CenterIQ.

Get notified when the rules for this study change

Payers update imaging guidelines several times a year. We will email you when the criteria for Initial nuclear imaging assessing the heart's pumping function by measuring blood volume ejected per cycle change.

Frequently asked questions

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