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70487

Computed tomography, maxillofacial area; with contrast material(s)

Radiology CT Scan 9.82 Total RVUs
Quick Reference
For CT maxillofacial area with contrast

Relative Value Units (RVUs)

Calculator →
Work RVU
1.20
Physician effort
PE RVU
8.50
Practice expense
MP RVU
0.12
Malpractice
Total RVU
9.82
Combined value
Dollar reimbursement rates vary by locality and payer. RVUs shown for relative comparison only.
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Clinical Information

When to Use

For CT maxillofacial area with contrast

Time Requirement
20-25 minutes typical procedure time

Common Scenarios

Enhancing maxillofacial lesion evaluation
Maxillofacial tumor evaluation
Infection evaluation
Contrast-enhanced facial imaging
Vascular evaluation

Documentation Requirements

  • Indication for CT maxillofacial
  • With contrast
  • Contrast type and amount
  • 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 maxillofacial with contrast
  • Includes interpretation and report
  • Without contrast coded separately
  • With and without contrast coded separately
  • Head CT coded separately

Exclusions

  • 70486 (CT maxillofacial area without contrast)
  • 70488 (CT maxillofacial area without contrast followed by contrast)
  • 70481 (CT orbit, sella, or posterior fossa with contrast)
  • 70540 (MRI orbit, face, and/or neck without contrast)

Coding Notes

No global period - diagnostic procedure
With contrast only
Professional and technical components may be separate
Document indication and findings

Clinical scenarios

Enhancing maxillofacial lesion evaluation
Enhancing maxillofacial lesion evaluation
When to use:For CT maxillofacial area with contrast
  • Indication for CT maxillofacial
  • With contrast
  • Contrast type and amount
Maxillofacial tumor evaluation
Maxillofacial tumor evaluation
When to use:For CT maxillofacial area with contrast
  • Indication for CT maxillofacial
  • With contrast
  • Contrast type and amount
Infection evaluation
Infection evaluation
When to use:For CT maxillofacial area with contrast
  • Indication for CT maxillofacial
  • With contrast
  • Contrast type and amount

Who are you?

Code Details

Code 70487
Category Radiology
Subcategory CT Scan
Total RVUs 9.82

Medicare Pricing

PFS
2025 National Rate
$149.76
Facility
$149.76
Non-Facility
$149.76
RVU Breakdown
Work RVU:1.13PE RVU:3.43MP RVU:0.07Total RVU:4.63CF:$32.3465Global Days:XXX
OPPS Details
APC:5571Status:Q3Copayment:
Physician Fee Schedule: Medicare pays physicians based on Relative Value Units (RVUs) multiplied by a conversion factor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is CPT code 70487?

CPT 70487 is the billing code for "Computed tomography, maxillofacial area; with contrast material(s)". For CT maxillofacial area with contrast

How much does Medicare pay for CPT 70487?

Medicare pays approximately $149.76 for CPT 70487 (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 70487?

CPT 70487 has a total RVU of 9.82, broken down as: Work RVU 1.20, Practice Expense RVU 8.50, and Malpractice RVU 0.12. RVUs (Relative Value Units) determine Medicare reimbursement rates.

What documentation is required for CPT 70487?

Key documentation requirements for CPT 70487 include: Indication for CT maxillofacial; With contrast; Contrast type and amount; Findings and interpretation. Missing or incomplete documentation is a leading cause of claim denials for this code.

Can CPT 70487 be billed with other codes?

Bundling considerations for CPT 70487: Includes CT maxillofacial with contrast. Includes interpretation and report Use an NCCI bundling checker to verify specific code combinations before billing.

What modifiers are commonly used with CPT 70487?

Common modifiers for CPT 70487 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 70487?

The typical time requirement for CPT 70487 is 20-25 minutes typical procedure time. Time-based codes require documentation of the actual time spent providing the service.

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