CPT Code 70471

kay.larsen@ah.org

Although there is no NCCI edit, our Coders are saying that we can't bill 70450 with 70471 quoting the 2026 CPT Book.

For stroke protocols, Radiology first does 70450 (CT Head) and based on results then 70471. (In the past, it was 70450 followed by 70496 and 70498.)

CPT Code Description, "... including noncontrast images, when performed...." Does "when performed" give us the option of doing 70471 without contrast? If yes, then would it work to have 70450 and 70471 on the same day or does it not matter how the noncontrast images were captured making 70450 not separately billable?

Thanks!