2025 CPT code 70496
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Diagnostic Radiology - Computed Tomographic Angiography Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) Procedures of the Head and Neck Feed
Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) of the head with contrast, including non-contrast images if performed, and image post-processing.
Modifiers 26 (professional component) and TC (technical component) may be appended as appropriate based on the services rendered and payer requirements.Modifier 59 (distinct procedural service) might be necessary under certain circumstances.
Medical necessity for a CTA of the head (70496) is established based on clinical findings suggesting the presence of vascular abnormalities in the head, including but not limited to, symptoms of stroke, trauma, or suspected aneurysm.The ordering physician must provide appropriate clinical documentation to justify the medical necessity for the procedure.
The physician's responsibility includes patient positioning, IV line placement (or supervision thereof), contrast administration (or supervision), image acquisition parameter selection, image interpretation and report generation.Additional responsibilities may include managing potential adverse reactions to contrast media.
- Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) Procedures of the Head and Neck
- Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) Procedures of the Head and Neck
In simple words: This test uses a special dye and CT scan to create detailed pictures of the blood vessels in your head.This helps doctors see problems like blood clots or aneurysms.
This CPT code encompasses a computed tomographic angiography (CTA) examination of the head.The procedure involves intravenous injection of contrast material, followed by computed tomography (CT) imaging to visualize the blood vessels within the head.Non-contrast images, if acquired, are included. Image post-processing is also incorporated into the code.The procedure is used to detect aneurysms, blood clots, and other vascular irregularities within the brain. CTA also provides information on vessel wall thickness and venous anatomy within the scanned region.
Example 1: A patient presents with a sudden, severe headache. A CTA of the head (70496) is ordered to rule out an aneurysm or intracranial hemorrhage., A patient with a history of hypertension undergoes a CTA of the head (70496) to assess for vascular abnormalities and the risk of stroke., Post-traumatic head injury: A patient sustains a head injury in a motor vehicle accident.A CTA of the head (70496) is performed to evaluate for intracranial bleeding.
Physician's order specifying the need for a CTA of the head. Detailed clinical indication for the study (e.g., symptoms, history).Patient demographics and medical history. Imaging parameters used during the acquisition of the CTA images.Detailed interpretation and report of the CTA images.
** Specific contrast agents used should be documented.The use of this code requires appropriate clinical indications and documentation to support medical necessity.Always ensure compliance with payer-specific guidelines and coding policies.
- Revenue Code: I2A (Advanced Imaging - CAT: Head)
- RVU: This information is not available in provided source. Please refer to the official CPT codebook or your payer's fee schedule for RVU values and reimbursement information.
- Global Days : The global period information for this code is not available in provided sources. This requires referencing the specific payer's guidelines for clarification.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC (technical component) may apply if the physician is only billing for the technical aspects of the procedure. However, hospital policy may eliminate the need for this modifier.
- Fee Schedule : Fee schedule data is not available in the provided source.Consult the relevant fee schedules and databases for historical fee data.
- Specialties:Neurology, Neurosurgery, Radiology, Vascular Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Ambulatory Surgical Center