Computed tomography, head or brain; without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sections

CPT 70470 is the billing code for "Computed tomography, head or brain; without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sections". For CT head or brain without contrast followed by contrast

Medicare pays approximately $170.79 for CPT 70470 (national average). Actual payment varies by geographic location due to GPCI adjustments. Hospital and commercial insurance rates are typically 2-4x higher than Medicare rates.

CPT 70470 has a total RVU of 13.48, broken down as: Work RVU 1.80, Practice Expense RVU 11.50, and Malpractice RVU 0.18. RVUs (Relative Value Units) determine Medicare reimbursement rates.

Key documentation requirements for CPT 70470 include: Indication for CT head/brain; Without contrast followed by contrast; Contrast type and amount; Findings and interpretation. Missing or incomplete documentation is a leading cause of claim denials for this code.

Bundling considerations for CPT 70470: Includes CT head/brain with and without contrast. Includes interpretation and report Use an NCCI bundling checker to verify specific code combinations before billing.

Common modifiers for CPT 70470 include: 26 (Professional component only (interpretation)), TC (Technical component only (equipment/staff)), 59 (Distinct procedural service if performed separately). Modifiers indicate special circumstances and can affect reimbursement or prevent claim denials.

The typical time requirement for CPT 70470 is 30-40 minutes typical procedure time. Time-based codes require documentation of the actual time spent providing the service.