How To Use CPT Code 74176

CPT 74176 refers to a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis without 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 code 74176 procedures.

1. What is CPT 74176?

CPT 74176 is a medical code used to describe a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis without the use of contrast material. This diagnostic imaging procedure is performed to identify and diagnose various conditions affecting the internal organs within the abdominal and pelvic regions.

2. 74176 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 74176 is: “Computed tomography, abdomen and pelvis; without contrast material.”

3. Procedure

The 74176 procedure involves the following steps:

1. The patient is positioned in a supine position on the scanner table.
2. The patient is instructed to hold their breath and remain still for two to three seconds while the images are taken.
3. The scanner, using numerous X-ray beams and a set of electronic X-ray detectors, rotates around the patient, measuring the amount of radiation being absorbed throughout the abdomen and pelvis.
4. Simultaneously, the table moves through the scanner, allowing for the capture of images from various angles.
5. The images are displayed on a monitor screen for further analysis and interpretation by the provider.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who are eligible to receive CPT code 74176 services include those experiencing abdominal or pelvic pain, suspected internal organ abnormalities, or other conditions that require a detailed examination of the abdominal and pelvic regions. The provider must determine that a CT scan without contrast material is the most appropriate diagnostic tool for the patient’s specific condition.

5. When to use CPT code 74176

CPT code 74176 should be used when a provider performs a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis without the administration of contrast material. This code is appropriate for cases where the provider believes that a non-contrast CT scan will provide sufficient diagnostic information to identify and manage the patient’s condition.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 74176, the following information must be documented:

• Patient’s medical history and presenting symptoms
• Physical examination findings
• Reason for performing the CT scan without contrast material
• Details of the procedure, including patient positioning and instructions
• Interpretation and analysis of the CT scan images
• Diagnosis and treatment plan based on the CT scan findings

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 74176, it is essential to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules. If you are reporting only the physician’s interpretation for the radiology service, you should append professional component modifier 26 to the radiology code. If you are reporting only the technical component for the radiology service, you would append modifier TC to the radiology code. However, 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 74176 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2011. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 74176

Five similar codes to CPT 74176 and how they differ are as follows:

• CPT 74177: This code is used for CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast material.
• CPT 74178: This code is used for CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis initially without contrast material in one or both body regions, followed by contrast material(s) and further sections in one or both body regions.
• CPT 74150: This code is used for CT scans of the abdomen without contrast material.
• CPT 74160: This code is used for CT scans of the abdomen with contrast material.
• CPT 74170: This code is used for CT scans of the abdomen without and with contrast material.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 74176 procedures:

1. A patient presents with unexplained abdominal pain, and the provider orders a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis without contrast material to identify any abnormalities.
2. A patient with a history of kidney stones experiences sudden onset of severe flank pain, and the provider performs a non-contrast CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis to confirm the presence of a stone.
3. A patient with suspected appendicitis undergoes a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis without contrast material to visualize the appendix and surrounding structures.
4. A patient with a known abdominal mass requires a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis without contrast material to assess the size and location of the mass.
5. A patient with a history of inflammatory bowel disease presents with worsening symptoms, and the provider orders a non-contrast CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis to evaluate the extent of the disease.
6. A patient with suspected pelvic inflammatory disease undergoes a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis without contrast material to visualize the reproductive organs and surrounding structures.
7. A patient with a history of abdominal trauma requires a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis without contrast material to assess for internal injuries.
8. A patient with unexplained weight loss and abdominal discomfort undergoes a non-contrast CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis to identify any potential causes.
9. A patient with a known abdominal aortic aneurysm requires a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis without contrast material to monitor the size and stability of the aneurysm.
10. A patient with suspected diverticulitis undergoes a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis without contrast material to visualize the colon and surrounding structures.