© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Computed tomography (CT), commonly known as a CT scan, is a diagnostic imaging procedure that employs advanced X-ray technology and computer processing to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the abdomen and pelvis. This non-invasive technique allows healthcare professionals to visualize internal structures with high precision. During the procedure, the patient lies on a specialized examination table that moves through the CT scanner. Initially, a preliminary scan is conducted to establish the appropriate starting position for the imaging process. As the table progresses through the scanner, a series of X-ray beams are emitted and detected by electronic sensors that rotate around the abdomen and pelvis. The system measures the varying levels of radiation absorption by different tissues, which is crucial for creating accurate images. The collected data is then processed by a computer, resulting in two-dimensional images that can be analyzed for diagnostic purposes. Physicians review these images in real-time and may request additional scans to focus on specific areas of interest. It is important to note that CPT® Code 74176 is designated for CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis performed without the use of intravenous contrast material, distinguishing it from other codes that involve contrast administration. The physician is responsible for interpreting the findings from the CT scan and documenting any abnormalities observed during the review.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure is indicated for various clinical scenarios where detailed imaging of the abdomen and pelvis is necessary. The following conditions may warrant the use of a CT scan without contrast material:
The procedure involves several key steps to ensure accurate imaging of the abdomen and pelvis. The following outlines the process:
After the CT scan is completed, the patient may be monitored briefly to ensure there are no immediate complications. The physician will interpret the images and document any findings, including abnormalities or areas of concern. The results are typically communicated to the patient and may be used to guide further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. There are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements for a CT scan performed without contrast material, allowing patients to resume normal activities shortly after the examination.
| Short Descr | CT ABD & PELVIS W/O CONTRAST |
| Medium Descr | CT ABDOMEN & PELVIS W/O CONTRAST MATERIAL |
| Long Descr | Computed tomography, abdomen and pelvis; without contrast material |
| 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) | 9 - Concept does not apply. |
| 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 MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs. |
| Type of Service (TOS) | 4 - Diagnostic Radiology |
| Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | I2B - Advanced imaging - CAT/CT/CTA: other |
| MUE | 2 |
| 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 |
| ME | The order for this service adheres to appropriate use criteria in the clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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). |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| Ordering professional consulted a qualified clinical decision support mechanism for this service and the related data was provided to the furnishing professional | |
| 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 |
| GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| CR | Catastrophe/disaster related |
| XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
| GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case |
| AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) |
| GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit |
| Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study |
| XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter |
| GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider |
| 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. |
| 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 |
| GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary |
| MB | Ordering professional is not required to consult a clinical decision support mechanism due to the significant hardship exception of insufficient internet access |
| U6 | Medicaid level of care 6, as defined by each state |
| 53 | Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) 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). |
| 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. |
| 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) |
| 93 | Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via telephone or other real-time interactive audio-only telecommunications system : synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located away at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that is sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. |
| 96 | Habilitative services: when a service or procedure that may be either habilitative or rehabilitative in nature is provided for habilitative purposes, the physician or other qualified health care professional may add modifier 96 to the service or procedure code to indicate that the service or procedure provided was a habilitative service. habilitative services help an individual learn skills and functioning for daily living that the individual has not yet developed, and then keep and/or improve those learned skills. habilitative services also help an individual keep, learn, or improve skills and functioning for daily living. |
| AM | Physician, team member service |
| CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) |
| CG | Policy criteria applied |
| ER | Items and services furnished by a provider-based, off-campus emergency department |
| ET | Emergency services |
| FQ | The service was furnished using audio-only communication technology |
| FY | X-ray taken using computed radiography technology/cassette-based imaging |
| GQ | Via asynchronous telecommunications system |
| GX | Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy |
| HC | Adult program, geriatric |
| KX | Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met |
| LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) |
| 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 |
| PN | Non-excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital |
| Q0 | Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study |
| Q3 | Live kidney donor surgery and related services |
| 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) |
| SA | Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician |
| TB | Drug or biological acquired with 340b drug pricing program discount, reported for informational purposes |
| U2 | Medicaid level of care 2, as defined by each state |
| UD | Medicaid level of care 13, as defined by each state |
| 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 |
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Date
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Action
|
Notes
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|---|---|---|
| 2011-01-01 | Added | Added |
|
Code
|
Description
|
|---|---|
| BD24ZZZ | Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Colon |
| BF25ZZZ | Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Liver |
| BF26ZZZ | Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Liver and Spleen |
| BF27ZZZ | Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Pancreas |
| BF2CZZZ | Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Hepatobiliary System, All |
| BW20ZZZ | Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Abdomen |
| BW21ZZZ | Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Abdomen and Pelvis |
| BW24ZZZ | Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Chest and Abdomen |
| BW2GZZZ | Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Pelvic Region |
| No matching codes found | |
|
Code
|
Description
|
|---|---|
| C7541 | Diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ercp), including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed, with endoscopic cannulation of papilla with direct visualization of pancreatic/common bile ducts(s) |
| C7542 | Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ercp) with biopsy, single or multiple, with endoscopic cannulation of papilla with direct visualization of pancreatic/common bile ducts(s) |
| C7543 | Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ercp) with sphincterotomy/papillotomy, with endoscopic cannulation of papilla with direct visualization of pancreatic/common bile ducts(s) |
| C7544 | Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ercp) with removal of calculi/debris from biliary/pancreatic duct(s), with endoscopic cannulation of papilla with direct visualization of pancreatic/common bile ducts(s) |
| G0248 | Demonstration, prior to initiation of home inr monitoring, for patient with either mechanical heart valve(s), chronic atrial fibrillation, or venous thromboembolism who meets medicare coverage criteria, under the direction of a physician; includes: face-to-face demonstration of use and care of the inr monitor, obtaining at least one blood sample, provision of instructions for reporting home inr test results, and documentation of patient's ability to perform testing and report results |
| G0249 | Provision of test materials and equipment for home inr monitoring of patient with either mechanical heart valve(s), chronic atrial fibrillation, or venous thromboembolism who meets medicare coverage criteria; includes: provision of materials for use in the home and reporting of test results to physician; testing not occurring more frequently than once a week; testing materials, billing units of service include 4 tests |
| G0398 | Home sleep study test (hst) with type ii portable monitor, unattended; minimum of 7 channels: eeg, eog, emg, ecg/heart rate, airflow, respiratory effort and oxygen saturation |
| G0399 | Home sleep test (hst) with type iii portable monitor, unattended; minimum of 4 channels: 2 respiratory movement/airflow, 1 ecg/heart rate and 1 oxygen saturation |
| G0400 | Home sleep test (hst) with type iv portable monitor, unattended; minimum of 3 channels |
| G2066 | Interrogation device evaluation(s), (remote) up to 30 days; implantable cardiovascular physiologic monitor system, implantable loop recorder system, or subcutaneous cardiac rhythm monitor system, remote data acquisition(s), receipt of transmissions and technician review, technical support and distribution of results [deleted] |
| No matching codes found | |