Radiology CPT Codes
Diagnostic imaging, X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound procedures
Overview
Radiology CPT codes cover diagnostic imaging procedures including X-rays, CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine studies. Proper coding requires understanding of contrast use, professional vs. technical components, and multiple procedure reductions.
Most Common Radiology CPT Codes
Top 30 frequently used codes in this specialty
Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, brain (including brain stem); without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences
MRI
Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, brain (including brain stem); with contrast material(s)
MRI
Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, brain (including brain stem); without contrast material
MRI
Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, orbit, face, and/or neck; without contrast material(s)
MRI
Computed tomography, head or brain; without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sections
CT Scan
Computed tomography, orbit, sella, or posterior fossa; without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sections
CT Scan
Computed tomography, soft tissue neck; without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sections
CT Scan
Computed tomography, maxillofacial area; without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sections
CT Scan
Computed tomography, head or brain; with contrast material(s)
CT Scan
Computed tomography, orbit, sella, or posterior fossa; with contrast material(s)
CT Scan
Computed tomography, soft tissue neck; with contrast material(s)
CT Scan
Computed tomography, head or brain; without contrast material
CT Scan
Computed tomography, maxillofacial area; with contrast material(s)
CT Scan
Computed tomography, orbit, sella, or posterior fossa or outer, middle, or inner ear; without contrast material
CT Scan
Computed tomography, soft tissue neck; without contrast material
CT Scan
Computed tomography, maxillofacial area; without contrast material
CT Scan
Ultrasound transvaginal
Ultrasound
Ultrasound, pregnant uterus, detailed fetal anatomic examination
Ultrasound
Ultrasound, pregnant uterus, complete
Ultrasound
Ultrasound, abdominal, complete
Ultrasound
Ultrasound, retroperitoneal, complete
Ultrasound
Ultrasound, pelvic (nonobstetric), complete
Ultrasound
Radiologic examination, spine, thoracic; minimum 4 views
X-Ray
Chest X-ray, 2 views, frontal and lateral; fluoroscopic guidance for procedure or cast
Diagnostic Imaging - Chest
Radiologic examination, chest; complete, minimum 4 views
X-Ray
Radiologic examination, ribs, bilateral; 3 views
X-Ray
Radiologic examination, spine, cervical; minimum 4 views
X-Ray
Radiologic examination, spine, lumbosacral; minimum 4 views
X-Ray
Ultrasound, soft tissues of head and neck (eg, thyroid, parathyroid, parotid), real time with image documentation
Ultrasound
Ultrasound, chest, real-time with image documentation
Ultrasound
Browse by Subcategory
Explore codes organized by procedure type
MRI
4 codes
- 70553 Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, brain (including brain stem); without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences
- 70552 Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, brain (including brain stem); with contrast material(s)
- 70551 Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, brain (including brain stem); without contrast material
- 70540 Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, orbit, face, and/or neck; without contrast material(s)
CT Scan
12 codes
- 70470 Computed tomography, head or brain; without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sections
- 70482 Computed tomography, orbit, sella, or posterior fossa; without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sections
- 70492 Computed tomography, soft tissue neck; without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sections
- 70488 Computed tomography, maxillofacial area; without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sections
- 70460 Computed tomography, head or brain; with contrast material(s)
X-Ray
26 codes
- 72074 Radiologic examination, spine, thoracic; minimum 4 views
- 71030 Radiologic examination, chest; complete, minimum 4 views
- 71110 Radiologic examination, ribs, bilateral; 3 views
- 72050 Radiologic examination, spine, cervical; minimum 4 views
- 72110 Radiologic examination, spine, lumbosacral; minimum 4 views
Diagnostic Imaging - Chest
1 code
Documentation Tips
- Document contrast use and type
- Specify professional vs. technical component
- Note number of views for X-rays
- Document contrast sequences for MRI/CT
- Include indication for all imaging studies
Common Denial Patterns
Understanding common denial reasons helps prevent claim rejections and improves audit defense.
- Professional component (26) incorrectly applied
- Technical component (TC) bundled incorrectly
- Contrast not documented
- Multiple procedure reduction not applied
- Medical necessity not established
Frequently Asked Questions
Use 26 for the professional component and TC for the technical component when split billing applies.
Record the exact number of views taken and anatomy imaged; it affects code selection and medical necessity.
Yes. Document contrast type, route, dose, sequences, and any adverse reactions.
Multiple procedure reduction rules may apply; ensure distinct indications or body regions for same‑day imaging.
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