How To Use CPT Code 70490

CPT 70490 describes the diagnostic radiology procedure used to examine the soft tissue structures of the neck without the use of contrast material. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 70490?

CPT 70490 can be used to describe the diagnostic radiology procedure that focuses on examining the soft tissue structures of the neck. This procedure does not involve the administration of contrast material. It is used to obtain cross-sectional images of the neck’s soft tissue structures, allowing healthcare providers to identify tumors, anatomical abnormalities, and foreign bodies.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 70490 is: ‘Computed tomography, soft tissue neck; without contrast material.’

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the patient is positioned on a table that slides into the CT scanner.
2. The CT scanner rotates around the patient, taking cross-sectional images of the soft tissue structures of the neck.
3. A computer generates three-dimensional images, called slices, from the series of two-dimensional X-ray images.
4. The healthcare provider analyzes these images to identify any tumors, anatomical abnormalities, or foreign bodies in the neck.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 70490 is used when a healthcare provider performs a diagnostic radiology procedure to examine the soft tissue structures of the neck without the use of contrast material. This procedure is typically performed to evaluate patients with suspected tumors, anatomical abnormalities, or foreign bodies in the neck.

5. When to use CPT code 70490

CPT code 70490 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a diagnostic radiology procedure to examine the soft tissue structures of the neck without the use of contrast material. It is important to note that if contrast material is used during the procedure, a different CPT code should be reported.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 70490, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the procedure and the medical necessity
• Date and time of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the specific soft tissue structures examined
• Findings and any abnormalities identified
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 70490, ensure that the procedure was performed without the use of contrast material. If contrast material is used, a different CPT code should be reported. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer. Additionally, if the interpretation of the radiology service is reported separately from the technical component, the appropriate modifier should be appended to the radiology code.

8. Historical information

CPT 70490 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has undergone changes, including a code change on January 1, 2003, which resulted in the current code description.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a CT scan of the neck without contrast material to evaluate a suspected tumor.
2. A healthcare provider performs a CT scan of the neck without contrast material to assess for anatomical abnormalities in a patient with chronic neck pain.
3. A CT scan of the neck without contrast material is performed on a patient who has a foreign body lodged in their throat.
4. A healthcare provider orders a CT scan of the neck without contrast material to investigate a patient’s difficulty swallowing.
5. A CT scan of the neck without contrast material is performed on a patient with a history of neck trauma to assess for any soft tissue injuries.
6. A healthcare provider utilizes a CT scan of the neck without contrast material to evaluate a patient with persistent neck swelling.
7. A patient undergoes a CT scan of the neck without contrast material to assess the extent of lymph node enlargement.
8. A healthcare provider performs a CT scan of the neck without contrast material to evaluate a patient with suspected thyroid nodules.
9. A CT scan of the neck without contrast material is performed on a patient with unexplained hoarseness to assess the vocal cords.
10. A healthcare provider orders a CT scan of the neck without contrast material to investigate a patient’s persistent neck pain following a car accident.