How To Use CPT Code 74150

CPT 74150 refers to a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen without the use of contrast material. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 74150 procedures.

1. What is CPT 74150?

CPT 74150 is a medical billing code used to describe a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen without the use of contrast material. This diagnostic imaging procedure is performed to create cross-sectional images of the abdomen, which can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of various abdominal conditions.

2. 74150 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 74150 is: “Computed tomography, abdomen; without contrast material.”

3. Procedure

The 74150 procedure involves the following steps:

  1. The patient is appropriately prepped and positioned on the CT scanner table.
  2. The provider obtains cross-sectional images of the abdomen without the use of contrast material.
  3. The images are displayed on a monitor screen for interpretation by a radiology provider.
  4. A radiologic technician typically performs the procedure, while a radiology provider interprets the data and performs the analysis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who are eligible to receive CPT code 74150 services include those who:

  • Have abdominal pain, swelling, or other symptoms that require further investigation.
  • Require follow-up imaging after a previous abdominal procedure or treatment.
  • Have a known or suspected abdominal condition that needs to be monitored or assessed.
  • Cannot undergo a CT scan with contrast material due to allergies, kidney problems, or other contraindications.

5. When to use CPT code 74150

It is appropriate to bill the 74150 CPT code when a provider performs a CT scan of the abdomen without contrast material for diagnostic purposes. This may be due to the patient’s clinical presentation, medical history, or other factors that warrant further investigation of the abdomen using cross-sectional imaging.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 74150, the following information should be documented:

  • Patient’s demographic information, including name, date of birth, and insurance information.
  • Medical history and clinical presentation, including symptoms and relevant past medical or surgical history.
  • Indication for the CT scan, including the reason for choosing a non-contrast study.
  • Details of the procedure, including the date, time, and location of the CT scan.
  • Radiology provider’s interpretation of the images, including any findings, diagnoses, or recommendations for further evaluation or treatment.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 74150, keep the following guidelines in mind:

  • For CT abdomen with contrast, report CPT 74160.
  • For CT abdomen first without contrast followed by contrast and additional sections, report CPT 74170.
  • If reporting only the physician’s interpretation for the radiology service, append professional component modifier 26 to the radiology code.
  • If reporting only the technical component for the radiology service, append modifier TC to the radiology code. Note that payer policy may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC because the hospital’s portion is inherently technical.
  • Do not append a professional or technical modifier to the radiology code when reporting a global service in which one provider renders both the professional and technical components.

8. Historical information

CPT 74150 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was changed on January 1, 2003, from its previous descriptor, “Computerized axial tomography, abdomen; without contrast material.”

9. Similar codes to CPT 74150

Five similar codes to CPT 74150 and how they differ are:

  • CPT 74160: This code is used for a CT scan of the abdomen with contrast material.
  • CPT 74170: This code is used for a CT scan of the abdomen first without contrast, followed by contrast and additional sections.
  • CPT 74176: This code is used for a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis without contrast material.
  • CPT 74177: This code is used for a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast material.
  • CPT 74178: This code is used for a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis first without contrast, followed by contrast and additional sections.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 74150 procedures:

  1. A patient presents with acute abdominal pain and a history of kidney stones. A non-contrast CT scan of the abdomen is performed to evaluate for the presence of stones.
  2. A patient with a history of liver cirrhosis undergoes a non-contrast CT scan of the abdomen to monitor for complications such as ascites or portal hypertension.
  3. A patient with a suspected abdominal aortic aneurysm undergoes a non-contrast CT scan of the abdomen to assess the size and location of the aneurysm.
  4. A patient with a history of inflammatory bowel disease undergoes a non-contrast CT scan of the abdomen to evaluate for complications such as abscesses or fistulas.
  5. A patient with unexplained weight loss and abdominal discomfort undergoes a non-contrast CT scan of the abdomen to evaluate for potential malignancies or other causes.
  6. A patient with a history of abdominal surgery undergoes a non-contrast CT scan of the abdomen to assess for postoperative complications such as adhesions or hernias.
  7. A patient with a known pancreatic cyst undergoes a non-contrast CT scan of the abdomen to monitor the size and appearance of the cyst over time.
  8. A patient with a history of renal cell carcinoma undergoes a non-contrast CT scan of the abdomen to monitor for recurrence or metastasis.
  9. A patient with a history of diverticulitis undergoes a non-contrast CT scan of the abdomen to evaluate for complications such as abscesses or perforation.
  10. A patient with a suspected spleen injury after a motor vehicle accident undergoes a non-contrast CT scan of the abdomen to assess for splenic lacerations or hematomas.

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