CPT 70450Radiology

Ct head/brain w/o dye

CPT code 70450 covers a CT scan of the head or brain performed without contrast dye (intravenous injection). This is a non-invasive imaging test that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the brain to detect injuries, bleeding, tumors, or other abnormalities.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$105.13

This calculator gives a typical-case estimate using standard Medicare modifier rules. Actual payment depends on payer policies, documentation, code-specific CMS status indicators, and locality. Verify before billing.

RVU breakdown

Work RVU

0.85

PE RVU (NF)

2.35

MP RVU

0.05

Total RVU

3.25

Conversion factor: 32.3465 · Source: CMS MPFS RVU25A · Confidence: High

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Verify whether to bill globally or split-bill with modifiers 26/TC based on your practice arrangement
Impact: Incorrect modifier use is the #1 cause of denials; facility-based radiologists should use modifier 26, while imaging centers typically bill globally for the full $105.13
Do not bill 70450 on the same day as 70460 (CT head with contrast) or 70470 (CT head without then with contrast) for the same anatomical area
Impact: CMS considers 70450 bundled into 70470; billing both results in automatic denial and potential audit flags for unbundling
Document medical necessity clearly, especially for non-emergent studies, linking to specific ICD-10 codes that support imaging
Impact: Up to 15% of non-contrast head CTs are denied for lack of medical necessity; clear documentation of clinical indication prevents $105.13 writeoff
Ensure prior authorization is obtained for non-emergent studies as required by Medicare Advantage and commercial payers
Impact: Missing prior auth results in 100% denial ($105.13 loss) with most Medicare Advantage plans; emergency department studies are typically exempt
Bill professional component (26 modifier) within 72 hours of technical component to avoid claim coordination issues
Impact: Delayed professional billing can trigger payer system edits treating it as duplicate; timely filing ensures proper $105.13 reimbursement split
For repeat studies same day, use modifier 76 or 77 with addendum report explaining clinical change or technical inadequacy of initial study
Without proper modifier and documentation, second study is denied as duplicate, losing $105.13; clear clinical justification achieves 85%+ payment rate

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Frequently asked questions

What is the 2025 Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT code 70450?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement for CPT 70450 is $105.13 for both facility and non-facility settings. This rate is based on 3.25 total RVUs multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465. Actual payment may vary by geographic locality based on GPCI adjustments.

Can I bill 70450 and 70460 together on the same day?

No, you cannot bill 70450 (CT head without contrast) and 70460 (CT head with contrast) together for the same anatomical area on the same day. If both non-contrast and contrast images are obtained in the same session, you must bill 70470 (CT head without contrast followed by with contrast). Billing both separately is considered unbundling and will result in denial.

Do I need prior authorization for CPT 70450?

Prior authorization requirements for 70450 vary by payer and clinical setting. Medicare typically does not require prior auth for emergency department studies but may require it for outpatient non-emergent imaging through the Appropriate Use Criteria program. Medicare Advantage and commercial payers frequently require prior authorization for non-emergent CT head studies. Always verify with the specific payer.

What modifier should I use when billing only the professional component of 70450?

Use modifier 26 when billing only the professional component (physician interpretation) of CPT 70450. This is appropriate when a hospital or imaging center bills separately for the technical component (equipment and technologist). The modifier 26 payment represents the work RVU portion, approximately 26% of the total $105.13 reimbursement.

What diagnosis codes support medical necessity for 70450?

Common ICD-10 codes supporting 70450 include S06 series (intracranial injury), I63 series (cerebral infarction), R51.9 (headache), R56.9 (seizure), R41.82 (altered mental status), G89 series (pain codes), and C71 series (brain neoplasms). The diagnosis must demonstrate clinical need for non-contrast imaging specifically, as opposed to MRI or contrast-enhanced CT.

How many RVUs is CPT code 70450 worth in 2025?

CPT code 70450 has 3.25 total RVUs in 2025, comprised of 0.85 work RVUs, 2.35 practice expense RVUs (both facility and non-facility), and 0.05 malpractice RVUs. These values are from the CMS Medicare Physician Fee Schedule RVU25A released December 23, 2024.

What is the difference between 70450 and 70470?

CPT 70450 is a CT head/brain without contrast dye, while 70470 is a CT head/brain without contrast followed by with contrast in the same session. Code 70470 is used when both non-contrast and contrast phases are medically necessary and performed sequentially. The reimbursement for 70470 is higher and includes both image sets; you cannot bill 70450 separately when performing 70470.