70490 CT soft tissue neck without dye
Also known as: soft tissue neck CT, cervical soft tissue imaging, neck CT noncontrast
Computed tomography scan of the cervical soft tissues without intravenous contrast medium. Evaluates neck soft tissues including muscles, lymph nodes, thyroid, and surrounding structures.
In Plain Language
neck scan; throat tissue imaging
Clinical Context
Used to evaluate neck masses, lymphadenopathy, thyroid pathology, neck trauma, and post-operative changes. Noncontrast imaging provides baseline for inflammatory or infectious processes.
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 70490?
CPT 70490 (CT soft tissue neck without dye) is a Radiology code. Computed tomography scan of the cervical soft tissues without intravenous contrast medium. Evaluates neck soft tissues including muscles, lymph nodes, thyroid, and surrounding structures.
Who uses CPT code 70490?
CPT 70490 is used by Otolaryngology, Oncology, Emergency Medicine. Used to evaluate neck masses, lymphadenopathy, thyroid pathology, neck trauma, and post-operative changes. Noncontrast imaging provides baseline for inflammatory or infectious processes.
When is CPT 70490 used?
Used to evaluate neck masses, lymphadenopathy, thyroid pathology, neck trauma, and post-operative changes. Noncontrast imaging provides baseline for inflammatory or infectious processes.
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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.