CPT Code 70471
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!
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CPT has adopted the CMS methodology of not reporting two codes for services performed during the same session, although they took it a little farther than CMS did so there is no current NCCI edit for this code pair. There is a parenthetical note that says 70450 and 70471 cannot be reported together when these are done at the same session.
When you bill a code that includes non-contrast images, there is no specification of when/what procedure involved the non-contrast images. So, when you perform a CTA of the head and neck, it does include the non-contrast images from the CT of the head without contrast.
What you can do is create a charge for the cost of doing the procedures together at the same session. For example, if there are additional slices performed for the 70450 that are not included in the 70471, there is cost for those slices/views. You can add that specific cost to 70471 and capture the full cost of the services. You just can't report both codes together when performed in the same session.