70480 CT orbit/ear/fossa without dye
Also known as: CT orbit, orbital CT noncontrast, temporal bone CT
Computed tomography scan of the orbits, ears, and temporal fossae without intravenous contrast medium. High-resolution imaging evaluates orbital contents, optic nerves, extraocular muscles, and petrous temporal bone.
In Plain Language
eye socket scan; ear bone imaging
Clinical Context
Used for orbital mass evaluation, thyroid eye disease assessment, retrobulbar pathology, and temporal bone fractures or infections. Noncontrast technique is adequate for most bony pathology and some soft tissue lesions.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.25 |
| Total RVU | 1.25 |
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 1.25, 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 70480?
CPT 70480 (CT orbit/ear/fossa without dye) is a Radiology code. Computed tomography scan of the orbits, ears, and temporal fossae without intravenous contrast medium. High-resolution imaging evaluates orbital contents, optic nerves, extraocular muscles, and petrous temporal bone.
Who uses CPT code 70480?
CPT 70480 is used by Neuroradiology, Otolaryngology, Ophthalmology. Used for orbital mass evaluation, thyroid eye disease assessment, retrobulbar pathology, and temporal bone fractures or infections. Noncontrast technique is adequate for most bony pathology and some soft tissue lesions.
When is CPT 70480 used?
Used for orbital mass evaluation, thyroid eye disease assessment, retrobulbar pathology, and temporal bone fractures or infections. Noncontrast technique is adequate for most bony pathology and some soft tissue lesions.
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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.