How To Use CPT Code 70480

CPT 70480 refers to a computed tomography (CT) scan of the orbit, sella, posterior fossa, or outer, middle, or inner ear without contrast material. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, billing guidelines, documentation requirements, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 70480.

1. What is CPT 70480?

CPT 70480 is a medical billing code used to describe a specific type of computed tomography (CT) scan. This code is utilized when a healthcare provider performs a CT scan of the orbit (eye socket), sella (a saddle-shaped depression in the sphenoid bone), posterior fossa (a small space in the skull), or the outer, middle, or inner ear without the use of contrast material.

2. 70480 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 70480 is: “Computed tomography, orbit, sella, or posterior fossa or outer, middle, or inner ear; without contrast material.”

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned on the CT scanner table.
2. The patient remains still while the CT scanner takes X-ray images of the target anatomy (orbit, sella, posterior fossa, or ear structures).
3. A computer processes the scans and creates images called slices.
4. The healthcare provider reviews the images to identify tumors, anatomic abnormalities, or foreign bodies.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who are eligible to receive CPT 70480 services are those who require a CT scan of the orbit, sella, posterior fossa, or outer, middle, or inner ear for diagnostic purposes. This may include patients with suspected tumors, anatomic abnormalities, or foreign bodies in the aforementioned areas. The decision to perform a CT scan without contrast material is typically based on the healthcare provider’s assessment of the patient’s condition and the specific diagnostic information needed.

5. When to use CPT code 70480

It is appropriate to bill the 70480 CPT code when a healthcare provider performs a CT scan of the orbit, sella, posterior fossa, or outer, middle, or inner ear without the use of contrast material. This code should be used for diagnostic purposes, such as identifying tumors, anatomic abnormalities, or foreign bodies in the specified areas.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 70480, the following information should be documented:

• Patient’s medical history and reason for the CT scan
• Specific area(s) examined (orbit, sella, posterior fossa, or outer, middle, or inner ear)
• Procedure performed without the use of contrast material
• Findings and interpretation of the CT scan images
• Any recommendations for further diagnostic testing or treatment

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 70480, it is important to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules. Some tips for billing this code include:

• Ensure that the CT scan was performed without contrast material
• Verify that the patient’s medical record contains the required documentation to support the claim
• Check individual payer policies for contrast coverage and reportable supply codes
• Append professional component modifier 26 to the radiology code if reporting only the physician’s interpretation
• Append modifier TC to the radiology code if reporting only the technical component

8. Historical information

CPT 70480 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was changed on January 1, 2003, from “Computerized axial tomography, orbit, sella, or posterior fossa or outer, middle, or inner ear; without contrast material” to its current description.

9. Similar codes to CPT 70480

Five similar codes to CPT 70480 and how they differentiate are:

1. CPT 70481: A CT scan of the same areas but with the use of contrast material
2. CPT 70482: A CT scan of the same areas performed without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sections
3. CPT 70486: A CT scan of the face, including the sinuses, without contrast material
4. CPT 70487: A CT scan of the face, including the sinuses, with contrast material
5. CPT 70488: A CT scan of the face, including the sinuses, without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sections

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 70480 procedures:

1. A patient with a suspected orbital tumor undergoes a CT scan without contrast material to assess the extent of the tumor.
2. A patient with a history of chronic ear infections has a CT scan of the middle and inner ear without contrast material to evaluate for potential complications.
3. A patient with a traumatic head injury undergoes a CT scan of the posterior fossa without contrast material to assess for potential brain damage.
4. A patient with a suspected sellar mass has a CT scan without contrast material to determine the size and location of the mass.
5. A patient with a history of sinusitis undergoes a CT scan of the orbit without contrast material to evaluate for potential orbital complications.
6. A patient with a foreign body in the ear has a CT scan of the outer, middle, and inner ear without contrast material to determine the location and size of the foreign body.
7. A patient with a history of facial pain undergoes a CT scan of the sella without contrast material to evaluate for potential abnormalities.
8. A patient with a suspected aneurysm in the posterior fossa undergoes a CT scan without contrast material to assess the size and location of the aneurysm.
9. A patient with a history of vertigo has a CT scan of the inner ear without contrast material to evaluate for potential vestibular abnormalities.
10. A patient with a suspected orbital fracture undergoes a CT scan without contrast material to assess the extent of the fracture and potential complications.