Summary & Overview
CPT 0560T: Additional 3D Anatomic Model Preparation and Printing
CPT code 0560T designates the preparation, processing and printing of each additional 3D anatomic model created from medical image datasets after the first 3D-printed model. Its use captures incremental work and resources associated with producing patient-specific anatomic models for surgical planning, education, or procedural simulation. Nationally, as 3D-printing applications expand across surgical specialties and complex case planning, tracking use of add-on codes such as 0560T is relevant for payer coverage review, service-line budgeting, and clinical workflow planning.
Key payers referenced in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the code’s clinical intent and service setting, an explanation of common modifiers and billing considerations, and benchmarks where available. The publication also outlines policy and coverage themes affecting 3D-printing services, typical sites of service, and what billing teams should document when reporting add-on 3D model production.
This summary provides a national perspective on the code’s purpose and operational implications for providers, revenue cycle staff, and policy stakeholders involved in imaging-derived 3D model services.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 0560T reports the preparation, processing, and printing of each additional 3D anatomic model of a body structure from an image data set or sets after the first 3D–printed model. This code covers work performed to generate subsequent patient-specific 3D-printed anatomic models derived from medical imaging.
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Service type: Add-on 3D anatomic model production (each additional model after the first)
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Typical site of service: Hospital-based facilities, outpatient imaging centers, surgical planning vendors, or other clinical settings where 3D printing is performed from medical image datasets
Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A cardiac surgery team plans a complex aortic root replacement for a 62-year-old patient with a symptomatic ascending aortic aneurysm. Preoperative CT angiography is obtained and the radiology and surgical planning teams generate a 3D anatomic model to aid operative strategy. The first printed model of the aortic root and proximal arch is produced for the surgeon’s use. An additional patient-specific model is requested for the cardiothoracic surgery trainee and for intraoperative reference at the operating room. The service reported by 0560T is provided after the first 3D-printed model has already been prepared and printed; it covers the preparation, processing, and printing of each additional 3D anatomic model derived from the same image dataset.
Workflow steps:
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Imaging acquisition: CT angiography acquired and stored in the PACS.
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Image segmentation: Radiologist or imaging technologist segments relevant structures (aorta, branch vessels, valve annulus) into a printable file.
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Model preparation: Biomedical engineer or dedicated 3D lab processes and prepares the file for printing (supports, orientation, slicing).
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Printing and post-processing: 3D printer prints the additional model; post-processing includes cleaning, curing, and labeling.
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Delivery: Additional model transferred to surgical team for preoperative planning and intraoperative reference.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when work required to prepare an additional model is substantially greater than typical (document justification). |
23 | Unusual anesthesia | Use when general anesthesia is required for a related procedure that directly affects model preparation billing (rare). |
52 | Reduced services | Use if the additional model service is partially reduced or truncated. |
53 | Discontinued procedure | Use if the additional model print process was started but aborted for documented clinical reasons. |
54 | Surgical care only | Use when the surgeon bills for their portion and another provider bills the technical model service separately. |
55 | Postoperative management only | Use when another provider billed the model preparation and the surgeon bills only postoperative management. |
56 | Preoperative management only | Use when only preoperative services related to the model are billed by a provider separate from the technical printing service. |
62 | Two surgeons | Use when two surgeons of distinct specialties both require additional printed models and billing needs reflect shared operative responsibilities. |
AS | Ambulatory surgical center facility | Use when the additional model service is performed and billed in the ASC setting. |
CQ | Service furnished with robotic surgical system (item); professional component | Use when the model is used to plan or support robotic procedures and billing requires this modifier per payer rules. |
QK | Medical direction of two, three, or four concurrent anesthesia procedures | Use if anesthesia direction intersects with billed services associated with model preparation in concurrent cases. |
QX | CRNA service; no medical direction by a physician | Use when CRNA provides anesthesia relevant to the case associated with the model and payor requires modifier reporting. |
QY | Medical direction of one CRNA by anesthesiologist | Use where applicable per anesthesia billing rules linked to the surgical case using the model. |
| Taxonomy Code | Specialty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
207L00000X | Cardiothoracic Surgery | Primary surgical specialty that most commonly requests cardiac/vascular models. |
207P00000X | Vascular Surgery | Uses models for complex aneurysm and endovascular repair planning. |
2084P0800X | Diagnostic Radiology | Performs image segmentation and initial model generation. |
391200000X | Biomedical Engineering | Technical staff responsible for model processing and printing in hospital 3D labs. |
2083P0200X | Interventional Cardiology | Uses models for procedural planning in structural heart cases. |
Related Diagnoses
| ICD-10 Code | Description | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
I71.2 | Thoracic aortic aneurysm, without rupture | Common indication for producing patient-specific aortic models to plan open or endovascular repair. |
I71.4 | Abdominal aortic aneurysm, without rupture | Models assist in planning complex endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) or fenestrated/branched grafts. |
Q25.4 | Coarctation of aorta | Congenital aortic pathology where models aid surgical or interventional planning. |
I38 | Endocarditis, valve unspecified | Structural heart disease and complex valve anatomy models support preoperative planning. |
Z98.890 | Other specified postprocedural states | Postoperative anatomy and reconstruction may be modeled for revision planning. |
Related CPT Codes
| CPT Code | Description | Relationship to This Procedure |
|---|---|---|
0559T | Preparation, processing and printing of a patient-specific 3D anatomic model of a single anatomic structure using image data sets, including segmentation when performed, first model | This is the primary code for the first 3D-printed model; 0560T is reported for each additional model after 0559T. |
0370T | Image processing for image-guided procedures, including segmentation and registration, not otherwise specified | May be used when detailed image processing or registration beyond standard segmentation is performed as part of planning prior to model creation. |
76377 | 3D rendering with interpretation and reporting of CT, MRI, ultrasound data set | Used when a radiologist performs advanced 3D rendering and interpretation that supports model creation and clinical planning. |
77046 | Magnetic resonance angiography for planning and guidance of vascular stent/valve placement (noninvasive vessel evaluation) | Imaging codes like this represent source imaging studies that can provide the datasets used to create 3D models. |
77014 | Computed tomography guidance for localization and imaging | Represents CT-based services that can be part of the imaging workflow feeding the 3D model creation. |