70481 CT orbit/ear/fossa with dye
Also known as: CT orbit with contrast, enhanced orbital imaging, temporal bone CTA
Computed tomography scan of the orbits, ears, and temporal fossae with intravenous contrast medium enhancement. Provides detailed visualization of orbital soft tissues, vascular structures, and inflammatory changes.
In Plain Language
eye scan with dye; orbital inflammation imaging
Clinical Context
Indicated for orbital cellulitis, cavernous sinus thrombosis, orbital tumors with vascular assessment, and inflammatory orbital diseases. Contrast enhancement improves visualization of soft tissue involvement and vasculature.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.10 |
| Total RVU | 1.10 |
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 1.10, this code ranks in the 61st percentile among Radiology codes — 1.4x the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 70481?
CPT 70481 (CT orbit/ear/fossa with dye) is a Radiology code. Computed tomography scan of the orbits, ears, and temporal fossae with intravenous contrast medium enhancement. Provides detailed visualization of orbital soft tissues, vascular structures, and inflammatory changes.
Who uses CPT code 70481?
CPT 70481 is used by Neuroradiology, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology. Indicated for orbital cellulitis, cavernous sinus thrombosis, orbital tumors with vascular assessment, and inflammatory orbital diseases. Contrast enhancement improves visualization of soft tissue involvement and vasculature.
When is CPT 70481 used?
Indicated for orbital cellulitis, cavernous sinus thrombosis, orbital tumors with vascular assessment, and inflammatory orbital diseases. Contrast enhancement improves visualization of soft tissue involvement and vasculature.
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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.