HCPCS 78315

Bone and/or joint imaging; 3 phase study

AI EXPLANATION: A three-phase bone scan is a specialized nuclear imaging test that evaluates blood flow and bone changes in targeted bones and joints. During the exam, a small amount of a safe radioactive tracer is injected into a vein. A special camera then captures images at three separate stages: immediately after injection to view initial blood flow, a few minutes later to assess soft tissue pooling, and several hours later to examine how the bones absorb the tracer. This helps clinicians identify areas of abnormal bone metabolism, such as hidden fractures, bone infections, or arthritis.