2025 CPT code 74170

Computed tomography of the abdomen without and with contrast material.

Follow all applicable CPT coding guidelines and payer-specific rules.Accurate documentation is crucial for appropriate reimbursement.

Modifiers 26 (professional component) and TC (technical component) may be applied depending on the billed services. Modifier 59 may be used if this procedure is performed separately on the same day from a combined abdominal and pelvic CT.

Medical necessity for a CT scan of the abdomen with and without contrast is established based on the clinical presentation, symptoms, and the need to exclude or confirm specific diagnostic hypotheses.The physician should document the reasons for ordering the study, along with relevant clinical information justifying the procedure.

The radiologic technician typically performs the technical aspects of the procedure (scanning), while the radiologist is responsible for image interpretation, analysis, and generating a diagnostic report. Physician supervision is required.

IMPORTANT For combined CT abdomen and pelvis studies, consider codes 74176-74178.For 3D rendering, use codes 76376, 76377. For computed tomographic colonography, see codes 74261-74263.Do not report 74150-74170 with 74261-74263.

In simple words: This is a CT scan of your abdomen.First, the doctor takes pictures without using any special dye. Then, they give you a dye that helps them get clearer pictures of your organs. This helps them figure out what's going on in your abdomen.

This CPT code, 74170, represents a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen performed in two phases: initially without intravenous contrast material, followed by a second scan after the administration of contrast material.The procedure involves acquiring cross-sectional images of the abdomen in both phases to facilitate detailed anatomical visualization and improved diagnostic accuracy.This dual-phase approach allows for assessment of vascular structures and potentially subtle abnormalities not readily apparent on non-contrast images.

Example 1: A 55-year-old male presents with acute abdominal pain. A CT scan of the abdomen with and without contrast is ordered to rule out bowel obstruction, appendicitis, or other acute abdominal pathologies., A 40-year-old female with a history of ovarian cancer undergoes a CT scan of the abdomen with and without contrast for staging purposes.The contrast images aid in assessing vascularity of any masses., A 70-year-old male with suspected abdominal aortic aneurysm undergoes a CT scan of the abdomen with and without contrast. The non-contrast images initially assess the morphology of the aorta, while contrast helps define the extent and location of any aneurysm.

* Physician order specifying the need for a CT scan of the abdomen with and without contrast.* Patient demographics and relevant clinical history.* Imaging reports including details on the technique, contrast used, and image findings.* Radiologist's interpretation and diagnosis.

** Always refer to the most current CPT codebook and payer guidelines for the most up-to-date information on coding, reimbursement, and medical necessity criteria.

  • Revenue Code: I2B (ADVANCED IMAGING - CAT: OTHER)
  • RVU: This information requires access to specific payer fee schedules and may vary depending on location, facility type and other factors.Consult your payer's fee schedule for RVU values and reimbursement rates.
  • Global Days : The global period for this procedure is not explicitly defined in the CPT code description. It's considered a single procedure.
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC (technical component) may apply to the institutional setting.The application of TC depends on payer policies and whether the professional and technical components are billed separately.Hospitals may not need to append this modifier.
  • Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedule data is not included in the provided information. Contact your payer for this information.
  • Specialties:Radiology
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Office
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