Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Question: How do I report computed tomography (CT) of the head? What about coding a CT of the brain?

Connecticut Subscriber

Answer: Conveniently, there is a single set of codes for both of these CTs. Go back and check the notes to see whether the CT involved contrast material(s); and if so, how those contrast materials were used.

Then, choose from the following codes, depending on encounter specifics:

• 70450 (Computed tomography, head or brain; without contrast material)
• 70460 (… with contrast material(s))
• 70470 (… without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sections).