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Official Description

Computed tomography, pelvis; with contrast material(s)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Computed tomography (CT) of the pelvis with contrast material is a diagnostic imaging procedure that provides detailed visualization of the internal organs and structures located within or adjacent to the pelvic region. This includes critical anatomical components such as the kidneys, bladder, prostate, uterus, cervix, vagina, lymph nodes, and pelvic bones. The CT scan employs multiple, narrow X-ray beams that rotate around a single axis, capturing a series of two-dimensional (2D) images from various angles. The use of contrast material, typically an iodine-based dye administered intravenously, enhances the visibility of these structures, allowing for clearer and more detailed images. The data collected during the scan is processed by advanced computer software, which generates thin, cross-sectional 2D slices of the targeted area. These individual slices can be stacked to create three-dimensional (3D) models of the pelvic organs, providing a comprehensive view that aids in diagnosis and treatment planning. The patient lies on a table that moves into the CT scanner, where the imaging takes place. This procedure is distinct from other related codes, such as CPT® 72192, which does not utilize contrast material, and CPT® 72194, which involves imaging both with and without contrast. The resulting images are crucial for physicians in diagnosing or monitoring conditions such as cancer, assessing pelvic fractures or injuries, identifying abscesses or masses, determining the cause of pelvic pain, and providing detailed information for surgical planning or postoperative evaluation.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Computed tomography of the pelvis with contrast material is indicated for various clinical scenarios where detailed imaging of the pelvic region is necessary. The following conditions and symptoms may warrant this procedure:

  • Diagnosis or Monitoring of Cancer This procedure is utilized to identify and monitor tumors or malignancies within the pelvic organs, providing essential information for treatment planning.
  • Evaluation of Pelvic Bones for Fractures or Injuries CT scans are performed to assess the integrity of pelvic bones following trauma, helping to identify fractures or other injuries that may not be visible on standard X-rays.
  • Locating Abscesses or Masses The imaging helps in identifying the presence of abscesses or abnormal masses that may have been detected during a physical examination.
  • Investigation of Pelvic Pain This procedure is indicated for patients experiencing unexplained pelvic pain, aiding in the identification of potential underlying causes.
  • Preoperative Evaluation CT imaging provides detailed anatomical information that is crucial for surgical planning, ensuring that the physician has a comprehensive understanding of the pelvic structures before proceeding with surgery.
  • Postoperative Evaluation Following surgery, CT scans can be used to assess the surgical site and monitor for any complications or changes in the pelvic region.

2. Procedure

The procedure for performing a computed tomography scan of the pelvis with contrast material involves several key steps to ensure accurate imaging and patient safety. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Preparation of the Patient Prior to the scan, the patient is informed about the procedure, including the use of contrast material. The healthcare provider may review the patient's medical history and any allergies, particularly to iodine, to prevent adverse reactions. The patient may be instructed to refrain from eating or drinking for a specified period before the scan.
  • Administration of Contrast Material An intravenous (IV) line is established, and iodine-based contrast dye is administered to enhance the visibility of the pelvic structures during imaging. The contrast material is injected into the bloodstream, allowing for improved differentiation of tissues in the pelvic area.
  • Positioning the Patient The patient is positioned on the CT scanner table, typically lying on their back. Proper alignment is crucial to ensure that the area of interest is accurately captured in the images.
  • Scanning Process Once the patient is in position, the CT scanner is activated. The machine rotates around the patient, emitting X-ray beams that capture multiple 2D images of the pelvis from various angles. The patient may be asked to hold their breath briefly during the scan to minimize motion artifacts.
  • Image Processing After the scanning is complete, the collected data is processed by computer software to create detailed cross-sectional images of the pelvic region. These images can be further manipulated to produce 3D models if necessary.
  • Review of Images The resulting images are reviewed by the physician, who analyzes them for any abnormalities or conditions that require further investigation or treatment.

3. Post-Procedure

After the computed tomography scan of the pelvis with contrast material, the patient may be monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions to the contrast dye. It is common for patients to experience mild side effects, such as a warm sensation during the injection of the contrast material. Patients are typically advised to drink plenty of fluids post-procedure to help flush the contrast material from their system. The physician will discuss the results of the scan with the patient at a follow-up appointment, providing insights into any findings and potential next steps in diagnosis or treatment. Additionally, any specific post-procedure care instructions will be provided based on the individual patient's needs and the findings from the imaging study.

Short Descr CT PELVIS W/DYE
Medium Descr CT PELVIS W/CONTRAST MATERIAL
Long Descr Computed tomography, pelvis; with contrast material(s)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services
Multiple Procedures (51) 4 - Special payment adjustment rules on the technical component (TC) of multiple diagnostic imaging procedures apply...
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 88 -
APC Status Indicator Codes That May Be Paid Through a Composite APC
ASC Payment Indicator Radiology service paid separately when provided integral to a surgical procedure on ASC list; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 4 - Diagnostic Radiology
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) I2B - Advanced imaging - CAT/CT/CTA: other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 179 - CT scan abdomen

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

0722T Add On Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC S Quantitative computed tomography (CT) tissue characterization, including interpretation and report, obtained with concurrent CT examination of any structure contained in the concurrently acquired diagnostic imaging dataset (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
MG The order for this service does not have applicable appropriate use criteria in the qualified clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
MH Unknown if ordering professional consulted a clinical decision support mechanism for this service, related information was not provided to the furnishing professional or provider
TC Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
MA Ordering professional is not required to consult a clinical decision support mechanism due to service being rendered to a patient with a suspected or confirmed emergency medical condition
QQ Ordering professional consulted a qualified clinical decision support mechanism for this service and the related data was provided to the furnishing professional
MF The order for this service does not adhere to the appropriate use criteria in the clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
ME The order for this service adheres to appropriate use criteria in the clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
MC Ordering professional is not required to consult a clinical decision support mechanism due to the significant hardship exception of electronic health record or clinical decision support mechanism vendor issues
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
CT Computed tomography services furnished using equipment that does not meet each of the attributes of the national electrical manufacturers association (nema) xr-29-2013 standard
ET Emergency services
FY X-ray taken using computed radiography technology/cassette-based imaging
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
MB Ordering professional is not required to consult a clinical decision support mechanism due to the significant hardship exception of insufficient internet access
MD Ordering professional is not required to consult a clinical decision support mechanism due to the significant hardship exception of extreme and uncontrollable circumstances
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
Q5 Service furnished under a reciprocal billing arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
QJ Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
Action
Notes
2003-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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