CPT 74150Radiology

Ct abdomen w/o contrast

CPT code 74150 is used when a patient receives a CT scan of the abdomen without contrast dye. This is a common imaging study to evaluate abdominal organs, detect masses, or investigate pain.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$134.24

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

1.19

PE RVU (NF)

2.9

MP RVU

0.06

Total RVU

4.15

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Verify contrast status in radiology report before coding - distinguish between 74150 (no contrast), 74160 (with contrast), and 74170 (with and without contrast)
Impact: Incorrect contrast coding causes 15-20% of denials for abdominal CT codes, requiring resubmission and delaying payment by 30-45 days
Ensure diagnosis codes support medical necessity for non-contrast study - document contraindications to contrast when applicable
Impact: Medical necessity denials account for $50-$100 per claim when payer expects contrast study but non-contrast ordered without justification
Bill globally (without modifiers) when practice owns equipment and provides both technical and professional components
Impact: Global billing yields full $134.24 Medicare payment versus splitting between 26 and TC which may result in processing delays
Do not bill 74150 with 74160 or 74170 on same date of service for same anatomic area - these are mutually exclusive
Impact: Bundling edits will deny the second code, losing $134.24 and requiring corrected claim submission
Submit modifier 26 claims to the payer associated with the facility where service was rendered, not the physician's office location
Impact: Incorrect payer submission delays payment by 14-30 days and may result in coordination of benefits issues
Document medical necessity for repeat imaging within global periods or same-day studies using modifier 76 with detailed clinical indication
Impact: Without proper documentation, repeat imaging denials average $134.24 per occurrence with 40-50% successful appeal rate

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between CPT 74150 and 74160?

CPT 74150 is for CT abdomen without contrast material, while 74160 is for CT abdomen with contrast material. The distinction depends on whether intravenous or oral contrast is administered during the scan. You cannot bill both codes for the same examination session.

How much does Medicare pay for CPT 74150 in 2025?

Medicare pays $134.24 for CPT 74150 in 2025 based on the national average non-facility rate. This represents 4.15 total RVUs multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465. Actual payment may vary by locality and MAC jurisdiction.

Can I bill CPT 74150 with modifier 26 for professional component only?

Yes, modifier 26 is appropriate when billing only the physician interpretation component of the CT scan, typically when a hospital or imaging center owns the equipment and bills the technical component separately with modifier TC. The professional component represents the radiologist's interpretation and report.

What diagnosis codes support medical necessity for CPT 74150?

Common supporting diagnoses include abdominal pain (R10.x codes), kidney stones (N20.x), suspected mass or neoplasm (R19.0x), post-operative complications, hematuria (R31.x), and renal insufficiency when contrast is contraindicated. Always verify current LCD/LCA coverage articles for your MAC jurisdiction.

Does CPT 74150 require prior authorization?

Prior authorization requirements vary by payer. Medicare Advantage plans and many commercial insurers require prior authorization for advanced imaging including CT scans. Original Medicare typically does not require prior authorization but does review for medical necessity. Always verify with the specific payer before scheduling.

Can CPT 74150 and 74177 be billed together?

No, CPT 74150 (CT abdomen without contrast) and 74177 (CT abdomen and pelvis with contrast) should not be billed together as they represent overlapping anatomic areas. Code 74177 includes the abdomen, so billing 74150 separately would be considered unbundling and will be denied.

What are the RVUs for CPT 74150 in 2025?

CPT 74150 has 1.19 work RVUs, 2.9 practice expense RVUs (both facility and non-facility), and 0.06 malpractice RVUs, totaling 4.15 RVUs. When multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465, this equals the Medicare payment of $134.24.