2025 CPT code 70482
Computed tomography (CT) of the orbit, sella, posterior fossa, or outer, middle, or inner ear; without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sections.
Modifiers such as 26 (professional component) and TC (technical component) may be applicable. Other modifiers may be necessary depending on the specific circumstances.
Medical necessity must be established for this procedure. Documentation should support the clinical indication for the CT scan, such as signs, symptoms, or other diagnostic findings that justify the need for imaging.
The physician positions the patient, operates the CT scanner, administers the contrast material, and interprets the resulting images to diagnose abnormalities or foreign bodies.
In simple words: A CT scan uses x-rays to create detailed images of the inside of your head. This procedure involves two sets of scans: one before and one after a contrast dye is injected to enhance the visibility of certain structures. The targeted areas can include the eye socket, the area around the pituitary gland, the back of the skull, or parts of the ear.
This code represents a CT scan of the specified head and neck regions. The procedure involves an initial set of images taken without contrast, followed by the administration of contrast material and the acquisition of additional images.
Example 1: A patient with suspected orbital cellulitis undergoes a CT scan with contrast to assess the extent of the infection., A patient with hearing loss undergoes a CT scan of the inner ear to evaluate the ossicles and other structures., A patient with a pituitary tumor undergoes a CT scan with contrast of the sella to determine the size and location of the tumor.
Documentation should include the reason for the study, the areas scanned, the type of contrast used, and the interpretation of the findings.
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC is applicable when reporting the technical component only.
- Specialties:Radiology, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service: "Inpatient Hospital", "On Campus-Outpatient Hospital", "Off Campus-Outpatient Hospital", "Ambulatory Surgical Center", "Independent Clinic", "Federally Qualified Health Center", "Military Treatment Facility", "Public Health Clinic"