70496 CT angiography head
Also known as: CTA head, cerebral angiography, intracranial angiography, head CTA
Computed tomographic angiography specifically of the intracranial and extracranial arteries of the head with intravenous contrast medium during arterial phase imaging.
In Plain Language
head blood vessel imaging; stroke prevention test
Clinical Context
Essential for acute stroke evaluation, intracranial aneurysm detection and characterization, arterial dissection assessment, and evaluation of vascular malformations. Rapid acquisition provides excellent vessel visualization.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.71 |
| Total RVU | 1.71 |
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 1.71, this code ranks in the 83rd percentile among Radiology codes — 2.1x the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 70496?
CPT 70496 (CT angiography head) is a Radiology code. Computed tomographic angiography specifically of the intracranial and extracranial arteries of the head with intravenous contrast medium during arterial phase imaging.
Who uses CPT code 70496?
CPT 70496 is used by Neuroradiology, Neurology, Neurosurgery. Essential for acute stroke evaluation, intracranial aneurysm detection and characterization, arterial dissection assessment, and evaluation of vascular malformations. Rapid acquisition provides excellent vessel visualization.
When is CPT 70496 used?
Essential for acute stroke evaluation, intracranial aneurysm detection and characterization, arterial dissection assessment, and evaluation of vascular malformations. Rapid acquisition provides excellent vessel visualization.
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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.