70470 CT head/brain without & with dye
Also known as: CT head noncontrast and contrast, dual-phase CT brain, split-dose CT
Computed tomography scan of the head and brain performed both without and with intravenous contrast medium. Combines noncontrast and contrast-enhanced sequences to maximize diagnostic information and evaluate both hemorrhage and enhancement patterns.
In Plain Language
head CT with and without dye; complete brain imaging
Clinical Context
Used when there is clinical concern for both acute hemorrhage and enhancing pathology. Provides comprehensive evaluation of traumatic injury with superimposed mass, acute stroke with perfusion assessment needs, or suspicion of intracranial infection.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.24 |
| Total RVU | 1.24 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
Radiology codes require a written order, clinical indication, and a formal interpretation report. The professional component (modifier -26) and technical component (modifier -TC) may be billed separately.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 1.24, this code ranks in the 70th percentile among Radiology codes — 1.5x the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 70470?
CPT 70470 (CT head/brain without & with dye) is a Radiology code. Computed tomography scan of the head and brain performed both without and with intravenous contrast medium. Combines noncontrast and contrast-enhanced sequences to maximize diagnostic information and evaluate both hemorrhage and enhancement patterns.
Who uses CPT code 70470?
CPT 70470 is used by Neuroradiology, Emergency Medicine, Neurosurgery. Used when there is clinical concern for both acute hemorrhage and enhancing pathology. Provides comprehensive evaluation of traumatic injury with superimposed mass, acute stroke with perfusion assessment needs, or suspicion of intracranial infection.
When is CPT 70470 used?
Used when there is clinical concern for both acute hemorrhage and enhancing pathology. Provides comprehensive evaluation of traumatic injury with superimposed mass, acute stroke with perfusion assessment needs, or suspicion of intracranial infection.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.