70491 CT soft tissue neck with dye
Also known as: soft tissue neck CT with contrast, enhanced cervical imaging, neck CTA
Computed tomography scan of the cervical soft tissues with intravenous contrast medium enhancement. Provides detailed visualization of neck vasculature, lymph node enhancement patterns, and pathologic soft tissue changes.
In Plain Language
neck scan with dye; throat imaging with contrast
Clinical Context
Standard for neck masses, suspected malignancy, thyroid imaging with vascular assessment, carotid pathology, and infection. Contrast enhancement improves lesion characterization and vascular definition.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.35 |
| Total RVU | 1.35 |
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 1.35, this code ranks in the 73rd percentile among Radiology codes — 1.7x the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 70491?
CPT 70491 (CT soft tissue neck with dye) is a Radiology code. Computed tomography scan of the cervical soft tissues with intravenous contrast medium enhancement. Provides detailed visualization of neck vasculature, lymph node enhancement patterns, and pathologic soft tissue changes.
Who uses CPT code 70491?
CPT 70491 is used by Otolaryngology, Oncology, Head and Neck Surgery. Standard for neck masses, suspected malignancy, thyroid imaging with vascular assessment, carotid pathology, and infection. Contrast enhancement improves lesion characterization and vascular definition.
When is CPT 70491 used?
Standard for neck masses, suspected malignancy, thyroid imaging with vascular assessment, carotid pathology, and infection. Contrast enhancement improves lesion characterization and vascular definition.
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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.