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2025 CPT code 71270

Computed tomography (CT) of the thorax without contrast, followed by contrast administration and additional imaging.

Follow current CPT guidelines for radiology coding. Accurate documentation is crucial for appropriate code assignment.Modifiers may be necessary depending on the services provided and payer requirements.

Modifiers 26 (professional component), TC (technical component), and others may apply based on the circumstances of service. Consult current payer guidelines.

Medical necessity for a CT scan of the thorax is determined based on the patient's clinical presentation, symptoms (e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath, hemoptysis), and the need to evaluate specific conditions or guide further intervention (e.g., biopsy, surgery).Payers may require additional documentation depending on their guidelines.

The radiologist is responsible for positioning the patient, operating the CT scanner, administering contrast (if applicable), acquiring images, and interpreting the results.They may also generate reports and communicate findings to referring physicians.

IMPORTANT:Do not report 71270 with 71250, 71260, or 71271. Do not use for breast CT. For cardiac CT, see 75571-75574. For 3D rendering, use 76376, 76377.

In simple words: This is a chest CT scan. First, the doctor takes pictures without any special dye. Then, they inject a dye into your vein and take more pictures. The dye helps them see the organs and blood vessels more clearly.

This diagnostic procedure involves a computed tomography (CT) examination of the thorax.Initially, images are acquired without intravenous contrast material. Subsequently, contrast material is administered (typically intravenously), and a second set of images is obtained. The addition of contrast enhances visualization of thoracic organs, vessels, and tissues. The radiologist interprets the resulting images, utilizing computer-aided reconstruction and storage for further analysis as needed.

Example 1: A patient presents with chest pain and shortness of breath. A CT scan of the thorax without and with contrast is ordered to evaluate for pulmonary embolism or other thoracic pathology. The contrast helps to visualize blood vessels within the lungs., A patient with a known lung mass undergoes a CT scan to assess the size, location, and characteristics of the lesion before potential biopsy.The pre-contrast and post-contrast images aid in differentiating vascular structures from solid masses., A patient with suspected esophageal perforation undergoes a CT of the thorax to detect leakage of contrast material into the mediastinum.The administration of oral and IV contrast aids in visualizing the integrity of the esophageal wall.

Patient demographics, referring physician information, clinical indication for the study, date and time of the scan, contrast type and administration route, and radiologist's interpretation report with findings, measurements, and relevant images.

** This code is used when both pre-contrast and post-contrast CT images are obtained. The use of oral or rectal contrast is considered included in the code and does not require separate billing unless otherwise specified by the payer.

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