Skip to main content
70480

Computed tomography, orbit, sella, or posterior fossa or outer, middle, or inner ear; without contrast material

Radiology CT Scan 9.41 Total RVUs
Quick Reference
For CT orbit, sella, or posterior fossa without contrast

Relative Value Units (RVUs)

Calculator →
Work RVU
1.10
Physician effort
PE RVU
8.20
Practice expense
MP RVU
0.11
Malpractice
Total RVU
9.41
Combined value
Dollar reimbursement rates vary by locality and payer. RVUs shown for relative comparison only.
Calculate Payment

Clinical Information

When to Use

For CT orbit, sella, or posterior fossa without contrast

Time Requirement
15-20 minutes typical procedure time

Common Scenarios

Orbital pathology evaluation
Sella turcica evaluation
Posterior fossa evaluation
Ear pathology evaluation
Focused head CT evaluation

Documentation Requirements

  • Indication for CT
  • Area(s) imaged
  • Without contrast
  • Findings and interpretation
  • Report documentation

Coding Guidelines

Common Modifiers

26 Professional component only (interpretation)
TC Technical component only (equipment/staff)
59 Distinct procedural service if performed separately

Bundling Rules

  • Includes CT orbit/sella/posterior fossa without contrast
  • Includes interpretation and report
  • With contrast coded separately
  • With and without contrast coded separately
  • Head CT coded separately

Exclusions

  • 70481 (CT orbit, sella, or posterior fossa with contrast)
  • 70482 (CT orbit, sella, or posterior fossa without contrast followed by contrast)
  • 70450 (CT head or brain without contrast)
  • 70540 (MRI orbit, face, and/or neck without contrast)

Coding Notes

No global period - diagnostic procedure
Without contrast only
Professional and technical components may be separate
Document indication and findings

Clinical scenarios

Orbital pathology evaluation
Orbital pathology evaluation
When to use:For CT orbit, sella, or posterior fossa without contrast
  • Indication for CT
  • Area(s) imaged
  • Without contrast
Sella turcica evaluation
Sella turcica evaluation
When to use:For CT orbit, sella, or posterior fossa without contrast
  • Indication for CT
  • Area(s) imaged
  • Without contrast
Posterior fossa evaluation
Posterior fossa evaluation
When to use:For CT orbit, sella, or posterior fossa without contrast
  • Indication for CT
  • Area(s) imaged
  • Without contrast

Who are you?

Code Details

Code 70480
Category Radiology
Subcategory CT Scan
Total RVUs 9.41

Medicare Pricing

PFS
2025 National Rate
$156.56
Facility
$156.56
Non-Facility
$156.56
RVU Breakdown
Work RVU:1.28PE RVU:3.48MP RVU:0.08Total RVU:4.84CF:$32.3465Global Days:XXX
OPPS Details
APC:5522Status:Q3Copayment:
Physician Fee Schedule: Medicare pays physicians based on Relative Value Units (RVUs) multiplied by a conversion factor.

Were You Charged for This?

Check Your Bill

Compare your charges against Medicare rates

NCCI Bundling Check

Can 70480 be billed with another code?

Full NCCI Checker

Automate Coding

Let OrbDoc AI automatically suggest codes from your clinical notes.

Patient? Check your bill.

Use our free analyzer to understand charges and spot errors.

Analyze My Bill

Ask OrbDoc AI

Get instant answers about 70480 - pricing, bundling rules, or billing questions.

Ask a Question

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CPT code 70480?

CPT 70480 is the billing code for "Computed tomography, orbit, sella, or posterior fossa or outer, middle, or inner ear; without contrast material". For CT orbit, sella, or posterior fossa without contrast

How much does Medicare pay for CPT 70480?

Medicare pays approximately $156.56 for CPT 70480 (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.

What are the RVUs for CPT 70480?

CPT 70480 has a total RVU of 9.41, broken down as: Work RVU 1.10, Practice Expense RVU 8.20, and Malpractice RVU 0.11. RVUs (Relative Value Units) determine Medicare reimbursement rates.

What documentation is required for CPT 70480?

Key documentation requirements for CPT 70480 include: Indication for CT; Area(s) imaged; Without contrast; Findings and interpretation. Missing or incomplete documentation is a leading cause of claim denials for this code.

Can CPT 70480 be billed with other codes?

Bundling considerations for CPT 70480: Includes CT orbit/sella/posterior fossa without contrast. Includes interpretation and report Use an NCCI bundling checker to verify specific code combinations before billing.

What modifiers are commonly used with CPT 70480?

Common modifiers for CPT 70480 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.

What is the time requirement for CPT 70480?

The typical time requirement for CPT 70480 is 15-20 minutes typical procedure time. Time-based codes require documentation of the actual time spent providing the service.

Related resources