Home
Career Stage
Medical Students Residents Attendings CPT Codes Resources Blog Support

71260 CT thorax diagnosis c+

Radiology

Also known as: chest CT with contrast, enhanced thoracic CT, contrast-enhanced lung CT, CT chest with contrast

Computed tomography of the thorax (chest) with intravenous contrast medium enhancement. Provides enhanced visualization of mediastinal vasculature and soft tissue pathology.

In Plain Language

chest scan with dye; enhanced lung imaging

Clinical Context

Used for mediastinal mass characterization, vascular pathology evaluation, and improved soft tissue contrast. Particularly useful for cardiac, aortic, and large vessel assessment.

RVU Breakdown

Work RVU1.13
Total RVU1.13

Est. Medicare Payment

$37.74

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 1.13, this code ranks in the 64th percentile among Radiology codes — 1.4x the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.

Specialties

RadiologyCardiologyOncology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CPT code 71260?

CPT 71260 (CT thorax diagnosis c+) is a Radiology code. Computed tomography of the thorax (chest) with intravenous contrast medium enhancement. Provides enhanced visualization of mediastinal vasculature and soft tissue pathology.

Who uses CPT code 71260?

CPT 71260 is used by Radiology, Cardiology, Oncology. Used for mediastinal mass characterization, vascular pathology evaluation, and improved soft tissue contrast. Particularly useful for cardiac, aortic, and large vessel assessment.

When is CPT 71260 used?

Used for mediastinal mass characterization, vascular pathology evaluation, and improved soft tissue contrast. Particularly useful for cardiac, aortic, and large vessel assessment.

Track This Code in RVU Edge

Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against national data — all in one app.

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.