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Official Description

Computed tomography, limited or localized follow-up study

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A computed tomography (CT) limited or localized follow-up study, as described by CPT® Code 76380, is a specialized imaging procedure that focuses on a specific area of interest within the body. This type of study is typically ordered when there is a need to investigate an unusual or abnormal finding that was previously identified during a broader imaging examination. Additionally, it may be utilized for ongoing monitoring of progressive changes in a patient's condition over time or in response to treatment. The CT technique employs multiple narrow X-ray beams that rotate around a single axis, capturing a series of two-dimensional (2D) images from various angles. These images are then processed by advanced computer software to create a three-dimensional (3D) representation of the targeted structure. During the procedure, the patient is positioned on a table that slides into the CT scanner, allowing for the acquisition of detailed images. The result is a set of thin, cross-sectional slices that provide a focused view of the area of concern. By concentrating on a localized region, this approach not only enhances the diagnostic accuracy but also significantly reduces the patient's exposure to radiation compared to more extensive imaging studies.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The indications for performing a computed tomography (CT) limited or localized follow-up study, as specified by CPT® Code 76380, include the following:

  • Unusual or Abnormal Findings A CT follow-up study may be indicated when an unusual or abnormal finding is observed during a larger view examination, necessitating further investigation of that specific area.
  • Progressive Changes This procedure is also indicated for follow-up monitoring of progressive changes in a patient's condition over time or in response to treatment, allowing for timely assessment and management.

2. Procedure

The procedure for a CT limited or localized follow-up study involves several key steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • Patient Preparation The patient is first prepared for the procedure, which may include removing any metal objects and changing into a hospital gown to ensure clear imaging results.
  • Positioning The patient is then positioned on the CT scanner table, ensuring that the area of interest is aligned with the scanning equipment for optimal imaging.
  • Image Acquisition Once the patient is properly positioned, the CT scanner is activated. It utilizes multiple narrow X-ray beams that rotate around the patient, capturing a series of 2D images from various angles of the targeted area.
  • Data Processing The captured images are processed by computer software, which reconstructs the data into a 3D image of the area of concern, providing a comprehensive view for analysis.
  • Image Review After the imaging is complete, the radiologist reviews the 2D and 3D slices produced to assess the findings and determine any necessary follow-up actions.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for a CT limited or localized follow-up study typically involves monitoring the patient for any immediate reactions, especially if contrast material was used during the imaging. Patients are generally advised to resume normal activities unless otherwise directed by their healthcare provider. The results of the CT study will be analyzed by a radiologist, who will provide a report to the referring physician for further evaluation and management of the patient's condition. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled based on the findings to ensure ongoing monitoring and treatment as necessary.

Short Descr CAT SCAN FOLLOW-UP STUDY
Medium Descr CT LIMITED/LOCALIZED FOLLOW UP STUDY
Long Descr Computed tomography, limited or localized follow-up study
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) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple 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 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator STV-Packaged Codes
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS) 4 - Diagnostic Radiology
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) I2B - Advanced imaging - CAT/CT/CTA: other
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 180 - Other CT scan
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.
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.
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
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
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
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).
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).
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.
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.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
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
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
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
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
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
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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
QQ Ordering professional consulted a qualified clinical decision support mechanism for this service and the related data was provided to the furnishing professional
U6 Medicaid level of care 6, 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
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.
2002-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
1992-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1992.
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