2025 CPT code 70488
Effective Date: N/A Radiology - Diagnostic Radiology Feed
Computed tomography of the maxillofacial area; without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sections.
Modifiers 26 (professional component) or TC (technical component) may apply.
Medical necessity must be established for this procedure. The documentation must support the need for both non-contrast and contrast-enhanced imaging of the maxillofacial area.
The physician positions the patient and operates the CT scanner to acquire images of the maxillofacial area. They also administer the contrast material intravenously. The physician then interprets the images to diagnose potential issues.
In simple words: This is a special type of X-ray scan of your face and jaw. It takes pictures first without dye and then more pictures after dye is injected into a vein. The dye helps to highlight certain areas and provide a clearer view for the doctor.
This code represents a computed tomography (CT) scan of the maxillofacial area (face and jaw) that includes both non-contrast and contrast-enhanced imaging. The procedure involves taking initial images without contrast, followed by the administration of contrast material and the acquisition of additional images. This combined approach provides a more comprehensive evaluation of the area.
Example 1: A patient presents with facial swelling and pain after a fall. A CT scan with contrast is ordered to evaluate for fractures and soft tissue injuries in the maxillofacial area., A patient with a suspected sinus infection undergoes a CT scan with contrast to assess the extent of the infection and evaluate the sinuses., A patient with a history of head and neck cancer undergoes a follow-up CT scan with contrast to monitor for recurrence or spread of the disease in the maxillofacial region.
Documentation should include the reason for the scan, the area imaged (maxillofacial area), the use of contrast material, and the interpretation of the images.
- Specialties:Radiology, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Otolaryngology
- 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"