2025 CPT code 71271
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Radiology Procedures > Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) Procedures Feed
Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) of the thorax, without contrast, for lung cancer screening.
Modifiers may be applicable, such as 26 (professional component) or TC (technical component), depending on the circumstances of the service provided.
Medical necessity for LDCT lung cancer screening must meet specific criteria outlined by CMS, such as age, smoking history, and absence of signs or symptoms of lung cancer.
In simple words: A special type of CT scan of the chest that uses a lower dose of radiation to check for lung cancer in people at higher risk.
This procedure uses low-dose ionizing radiation to create cross-sectional images of the thorax for the purpose of screening for lung cancer. It does not involve the use of contrast material.
Example 1: A 55-year-old patient with a 30-pack-year smoking history and who currently smokes undergoes LDCT lung cancer screening., A 60-year-old patient who quit smoking 10 years ago but has a family history of lung cancer undergoes annual LDCT screening., A 70-year-old patient with a history of asbestos exposure undergoes LDCT lung cancer screening.
Documentation should include patient demographics, smoking history, eligibility criteria met for lung cancer screening, order for LDCT, interpretation report, and any incidental findings.
** Prior to the first screening, a counseling and shared decision-making visit (G0296) is required. Subsequent annual screenings require a written order.
- Specialties:Radiology, Pulmonology, Oncology, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Independent Clinic, Federally Qualified Health Center, Mobile Unit