2025 CPT code 74178
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Diagnostic Radiology - Computed Tomography Radiology Feed
Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis without and with contrast material.
Modifiers 26 (professional component only), TC (technical component only), and others as per payer requirements.
Medical necessity for a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast is established based on the clinical presentation, findings from the physical exam, and other diagnostic studies. Specific criteria for medical necessity may vary among different payers.The scan is generally considered medically necessary for evaluation of suspected acute abdominal or pelvic pathology such as appendicitis, bowel obstruction, abscesses, and trauma.
The clinical responsibility includes ordering the CT scan, interpreting the images, and making a diagnosis based on the findings.The radiologic technologist performs the technical aspects of the scan under the physician's supervision.
In simple words: This code covers a CT scan of your abdomen and pelvis.The scan is done twice: once without and once with a special dye injected into your vein to help get clearer pictures. The doctor uses these images to diagnose problems in your abdomen or pelvis.
This CPT code encompasses the technical and professional components of a computed tomography (CT) examination of the abdomen and pelvis.The procedure involves initial imaging without intravenous contrast material, followed by a second scan after intravenous contrast administration. Additional sections may be included as clinically indicated.The examination aids in diagnosing abdominal or pelvic pain and other organ abnormalities. The process includes placing the patient supine on the scanner table, instructing them to hold their breath briefly during image acquisition, and injecting contrast material intravenously via a catheter.The resulting images are displayed on a monitor.This code includes both the technical and professional components.
Example 1: A patient presents with acute abdominal pain. A CT scan with contrast is ordered to evaluate for appendicitis, bowel obstruction, or other intra-abdominal pathology., A patient has a history of pelvic inflammatory disease.A CT scan with and without contrast is used to assess for recurrent infection, abscess formation, or tubo-ovarian disease., A patient undergoes a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis as part of a staging workup for colon cancer. This helps to determine the extent of the tumor spread and the presence of metastasis.
The medical record should include the indication for the CT scan, clinical history and physical examination findings, images, radiologist's report, and contrast administration details.
** The use of contrast material should be documented, and the type of contrast should be specified if necessary.Individual payer policies should be consulted for specific coverage and billing requirements, including contrast supply codes.
- Revenue Code: I2B (ADVANCED IMAGING - CAT: OTHER)
- RVU: This information is not available in the provided source. Consult a reliable fee schedule for the most current RVU data.
- Global Days : This information is not available in the provided source.The global period may vary depending on payer guidelines.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC can be appended if reporting the technical component only. However, this may not be necessary for hospital billing, as the technical component is inherent.
- Fee Schedule : This information is not available in the provided source.Consult local fee schedules for historical fee data.
- Specialties:Radiology, Gastroenterology, Surgery, Oncology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Emergency Room - Hospital