How To Use CPT Code 74177

CPT 74177 describes the diagnostic radiology procedure of computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis with 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 74177?

CPT 74177 can be used to describe a diagnostic radiology procedure known as computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis with the administration of contrast material. This code is used when a healthcare provider performs a CT scan to diagnose the cause of abdominal or pelvic pain or to identify any abnormalities in the internal organs.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 74177 is: ‘Computed tomography, abdomen and pelvis; with contrast material(s).’ This code represents the technical and professional components of the service.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned in a supine position on the scanner table.
2. The healthcare provider administers contrast material, either through intravenous injection or other routes, to improve the visibility of internal structures or organs.
3. The patient is instructed to hold their breath and remain still for a few seconds while the images are taken.
4. The CT scanner, equipped with X-ray beams and electronic detectors, rotates around the patient, capturing images from different views.
5. The images are displayed on a monitor screen for interpretation by the healthcare provider.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 74177 is used when a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed with the administration of contrast material. The contrast material can be administered intravenously or through other routes. This procedure is typically used to diagnose the cause of abdominal or pelvic pain or to identify abnormalities in the internal organs.

5. When to use CPT code 74177

CPT code 74177 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with the administration of contrast material. This code should not be used for CT scans without contrast or for CT scans that involve contrast administration in only one body region.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 74177, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the CT scan and the need for contrast material
• Type of contrast material used and the route of administration
• Date and time of the procedure
• Specific findings or abnormalities observed during the scan
• Interpretation and report of the CT scan by the healthcare provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 74177, ensure that the CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed with the administration of contrast material. It is important to follow payer guidelines regarding the reporting of contrast material separately, if applicable. Modifier TC may be used to indicate the technical component of the service, and modifier 26 may be used to indicate the professional component, if necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 74177 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2011. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast material to investigate the cause of severe abdominal pain.
2. A healthcare provider performs a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast material to evaluate a suspected tumor in the pelvic region.
3. A patient with a history of kidney stones undergoes a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast material to assess the presence of any new stones.
4. A healthcare provider orders a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast material to investigate unexplained weight loss and gastrointestinal symptoms in a patient.
5. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast material is performed on a patient with suspected liver disease to assess the liver’s structure and function.
6. A healthcare provider performs a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast material to evaluate the extent of trauma in a patient involved in a car accident.
7. A patient with a history of ovarian cancer undergoes a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast material to monitor the response to treatment and detect any recurrence.
8. A healthcare provider orders a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast material to investigate the cause of chronic pelvic pain in a female patient.
9. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast material is performed on a patient with suspected appendicitis to aid in the diagnosis.
10. A healthcare provider performs a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast material to evaluate the presence of abscesses or infections in a patient with a compromised immune system.