How To Use CPT Code 71270

CPT 71270 is a diagnostic procedure involving computed tomography (CT) of the thorax without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sections. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT code 71270 procedures.

1. What is CPT 71270?

CPT 71270 is a diagnostic procedure that involves the use of computed tomography (CT) to examine the thorax without contrast material initially, followed by the administration of contrast material(s) and further imaging sections. This code is used to report the performance of a CT scan of the thorax with and without contrast material for diagnostic purposes.

2. 71270 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 71270 is: “Computed tomography, thorax, diagnostic; without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sections.”

3. Procedure

  1. The patient is positioned on the scanner bed, which moves slowly into the scanner.
  2. Multiple cross-sectional images of the thoracic region are taken without the use of contrast material.
  3. Contrast material is then injected, typically through the patient’s vein.
  4. Additional cross-sectional images are taken with the presence of contrast material, making the organs, blood vessels, and tissues more visible.
  5. The provider examines the images on a computer monitor and interprets the diagnostic results.
  6. Images are stored, reconstructed, and reproduced as prints for further evaluation as necessary.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who are eligible to receive CPT code 71270 services are those who require a diagnostic CT scan of the thorax with and without contrast material. This may include patients with suspected or known thoracic conditions, such as lung cancer, pulmonary embolism, or other abnormalities within the thoracic region. The provider must determine the medical necessity of the procedure based on the patient’s clinical presentation and history.

5. When to use CPT code 71270

It is appropriate to bill the 71270 CPT code when a diagnostic CT scan of the thorax is performed both without and with contrast material. This code should be used when the provider determines that the use of contrast material is necessary to obtain a more accurate and detailed visualization of the thoracic structures for diagnostic purposes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 71270, the following information should be documented:

  • Indication for the procedure, including the patient’s clinical presentation and history.
  • Details of the CT scan performed, including the use of contrast material and the specific areas of the thorax examined.
  • Findings and interpretation of the diagnostic results.
  • Any relevant follow-up or treatment recommendations based on the diagnostic findings.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 71270, it is important to follow payer-specific guidelines and policies regarding the use of contrast material and the reporting of supply codes. Providers who supply contrast may also separately report the contrast using a 99070 supply code or a HCPCS Level II code, depending on the payer’s guidelines. Additionally, when reporting only the physician’s interpretation for the radiology service, professional component modifier 26 should be appended to the radiology code. If reporting only the technical component for the radiology service, modifier TC should be appended to the radiology code, unless payer policy exempts hospitals from appending modifier TC.

8. Historical information

CPT 71270 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has undergone two changes since its addition:

  • On January 1, 2003, the descriptor was changed from “Computerized axial tomography, thorax; without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sections” to its current description.
  • On January 1, 2021, the descriptor was updated to its current description.

9. Similar codes to CPT 71270

Five similar codes to CPT 71270 and how they differentiate are:

  • CPT 71250: This code is used for a diagnostic CT scan of the thorax without contrast material.
  • CPT 71260: This code is used for a diagnostic CT scan of the thorax with contrast material.
  • CPT 71271: This code is used for a diagnostic CT scan of the thorax for evaluation of pulmonary embolism.
  • CPT 75571-75574: These codes are used for cardiac computed tomography of the heart.
  • CPT 76376 and 76377: These codes are used to report 3D rendering of CT images.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 71270 procedures:

  1. A patient with a history of lung cancer undergoing a follow-up CT scan of the thorax with and without contrast material to assess for tumor progression.
  2. A patient presenting with chest pain and shortness of breath, requiring a CT scan of the thorax with and without contrast material to evaluate for possible pulmonary embolism.
  3. A patient with a known thoracic aortic aneurysm undergoing a CT scan of the thorax with and without contrast material to monitor the size and stability of the aneurysm.
  4. A patient with suspected mediastinal lymphadenopathy requiring a CT scan of the thorax with and without contrast material for diagnostic evaluation.
  5. A patient with a history of sarcoidosis undergoing a CT scan of the thorax with and without contrast material to assess for disease progression and complications.
  6. A patient with a suspected lung abscess requiring a CT scan of the thorax with and without contrast material for diagnostic evaluation and treatment planning.
  7. A patient with a history of chest trauma undergoing a CT scan of the thorax with and without contrast material to assess for injuries to the thoracic structures.
  8. A patient with a known bronchogenic cyst requiring a CT scan of the thorax with and without contrast material for preoperative planning and evaluation.
  9. A patient with a suspected pleural effusion requiring a CT scan of the thorax with and without contrast material for diagnostic evaluation and treatment planning.
  10. A patient with a history of tuberculosis undergoing a CT scan of the thorax with and without contrast material to assess for disease progression and complications.

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