How To Use CPT Code 70496

CPT 70496 is a code used for computed tomographic angiography of the head with contrast material(s), including noncontrast images and image postprocessing. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, when to use the code, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 70496 procedures.

1. What is CPT 70496?

CPT 70496 is a medical billing code used to describe a specific type of diagnostic imaging procedure known as computed tomographic angiography (CTA) of the head. This procedure involves the use of contrast material(s) to visualize blood vessels in the patient’s head and detect any abnormalities or issues related to blood flow. The code also includes noncontrast images, if performed, and image postprocessing.

2. 70496 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 70496 is: “Computed tomographic angiography, head, with contrast material(s), including noncontrast images, if performed, and image postprocessing.”

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned on the CT examination table with the aid of crisscrossed positioning lights, lying flat on their back, side, or stomach.
2. A nurse or technologist inserts an IV line into a small vein in the patient’s arm or hand.
3. A small dose of contrast material is injected through the IV to determine the time it takes to reach the area under study.
4. During scanning, the table moves to the start point and then moves relatively rapidly through the gantry opening in the machine as the actual CT scanning is performed.
5. An automatic injection machine connected to the IV injects contrast material at a controlled rate both prior to and during scanning.
6. When the examination is completed, the patient is asked to wait until the provider verifies that the images are of high enough quality for accurate interpretation.
7. The intravenous line is removed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who are eligible to receive CPT code 70496 services are those who require diagnostic imaging of the blood vessels in their head to detect potential issues such as aneurysms, blood clots, or other vascular irregularities. This procedure may be necessary for patients presenting with symptoms such as severe headaches, dizziness, or vision problems, or those with a history of vascular issues or risk factors for stroke.

5. When to use CPT code 70496

It is appropriate to bill the 70496 CPT code when a computed tomographic angiography of the head with contrast material(s) is performed to diagnose or evaluate vascular issues in the patient’s head. This code should be used for CTA of the head only; for CTA of the neck, use CPT code 70498.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 70496, the following information should be documented:

• Patient’s medical history and symptoms that justify the need for the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the use of contrast material(s) and any noncontrast images taken
• Findings and interpretation of the images by the provider
• Any follow-up recommendations or treatment plans based on the results of the CTA

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 70496, keep in mind the following guidelines and tips:

• Use a 99070 supply code or a HCPCS Level II code to report the contrast material(s) used, depending on the payer’s guidelines.
• Append professional component modifier 26 to the radiology code if reporting only the physician’s interpretation for the radiology service.
• Append modifier TC to the radiology code if reporting only the technical component for the radiology service, unless exempted by payer policy.
• Do not append a professional or technical modifier when reporting a global service in which one provider renders both the professional and technical components.

8. Historical information

CPT 70496 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2001. The code was changed on January 1, 2008, with the previous descriptor being “Computed tomographic angiography, head, without contrast material(s), followed by contrast material(s) and further sections, including image post-processing.”

9. Similar codes to CPT 70496

Five similar codes to CPT 70496 and how they differentiate are:

1. CPT 70498: This code is used for CTA of the neck, rather than the head.
2. CPT 70450: This code is for a noncontrast CT scan of the head.
3. CPT 70460: This code is for a CT scan of the head with contrast material(s), but without angiography.
4. CPT 70470: This code is for a CT scan of the head with and without contrast material(s), but without angiography.
5. CPT 70480: This code is for a noncontrast CT scan of the orbits (eye sockets).

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 70496 procedures:

1. A patient with a history of migraines undergoes a CTA of the head to rule out aneurysms or other vascular issues.
2. A patient presenting with sudden vision loss has a CTA of the head to evaluate blood flow to the optic nerves.
3. A patient with a family history of stroke undergoes a CTA of the head as part of a preventative screening.
4. A patient with unexplained dizziness and balance issues has a CTA of the head to assess for vascular abnormalities.
5. A patient with a known brain aneurysm undergoes a CTA of the head to monitor the size and stability of the aneurysm.
6. A patient with a history of head trauma has a CTA of the head to evaluate for any vascular damage.
7. A patient with a suspected arteriovenous malformation undergoes a CTA of the head for diagnostic confirmation.
8. A patient with a brain tumor has a CTA of the head to assess the blood supply to the tumor before surgery.
9. A patient with a history of carotid artery stenosis undergoes a CTA of the head to evaluate blood flow to the brain.
10. A patient with a suspected vasculitis has a CTA of the head to assess for inflammation and narrowing of blood vessels.