C03 Positron Emission Tomographic (PET) Imaging - Central Nervous System ICD-10-PCS
The C03 code range contains 6 ICD-10-PCS codes for Positron Emission Tomographic (PET) Imaging procedures on the central nervous system. 5 of the codes are billable and valid for inpatient claim submission in fiscal year 2026.
Root Operation Definition
Positron Emission Tomographic (PET) Imaging: Introduction of radioactive materials into the body for three dimensional display of images developed from the simultaneous capture, 180 degrees apart, of radioactive emissions.
Codes in the C03 Range 6 codes · 5 billable
- C03 Nuclear Medicine, Central Nervous System, Positron Emission Tomographic (PET) ImagingNon-billable header
- C030BZZ Positron Emission Tomographic (PET) Imaging of Brain using Carbon 11 (C-11)
- C030KZZ Positron Emission Tomographic (PET) Imaging of Brain using Fluorine 18 (F-18)
- C030MZZ Positron Emission Tomographic (PET) Imaging of Brain using Oxygen 15 (O-15)
- C030YZZ Positron Emission Tomographic (PET) Imaging of Brain using Other Radionuclide
- C03YYZZ Positron Emission Tomographic (PET) Imaging of Central Nervous System using Other Radionuclide
About the C03 Code Range
The ICD-10-PCS root operation Positron Emission Tomographic (PET) Imaging (code C03) refers to a diagnostic nuclear medicine procedure that produces detailed images of the Central Nervous System using radioactive tracers. This operation is key for visualizing metabolic processes in the brain and other CNS structures.
Positron Emission Tomographic Imaging uses various radionuclides to highlight different physiological functions. For example, the codes specify imaging of the Brain using radionuclides such as Carbon 11 (C-11) (C030BZZ), Fluorine 18 (F-18) (C030KZZ), and Oxygen 15 (O-15) (C030MZZ). Additionally, there are codes for imaging other regions of the Central Nervous System using either specified or other radionuclides (C03YYZZ). These detailed options ensure precise coding that reflects the particular radiopharmaceutical utilized, which is essential for accurate procedure documentation in nuclear medicine.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the C03 range?
Of the 6 codes in this range, 5 are billable and valid for inpatient claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Table header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the C03 range classify?
The range classifies Positron Emission Tomographic (PET) Imaging procedures, introduction of radioactive materials into the body for three dimensional display of images developed from the simultaneous capture, 180 degrees apart, of radioactive emissions, performed on the central nervous system. Each code adds the body part, approach, device, and qualifier in characters four through seven, and links to its own reference page.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-PCS order file and code tables, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
