Summary & Overview
CPT 0633T: CT of Single Breast Without Contrast
CPT code 0633T designates a non-contrast computed tomography (CT) exam of a single breast, with optional 3D rendering. This imaging-specific CPT code captures a specialized diagnostic service used for breast evaluation when CT is indicated without contrast. Nationally, the code matters as payers and facilities align coverage, coding, and billing practices for advanced breast imaging modalities, and because accurate coding supports appropriate claims processing and utilization monitoring.
Key payers addressed in this overview include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise briefing on clinical context, typical sites of service, and the service type. The publication summarizes what to expect in payer coverage approaches, common billing modifiers, and service-line placement for hospital outpatient and freestanding imaging centers. It also outlines where to find benchmarks and policy updates related to adoption and reimbursement of advanced breast imaging techniques.
This resource is intended for coding managers, radiology administrators, and policy analysts seeking a national-level orientation to CPT code 0633T, including coding definition, service context, and the practical areas—billing, coverage, and clinical workflow—where the code is applied. Data not available in the input will be noted where relevant in detailed sections.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 0633T describes a computed tomography (CT) examination of a single breast performed without intravenous contrast material. The service includes image acquisition and interpretation and may include, but does not require, three-dimensional (3D) rendering.
-
Service type: Diagnostic imaging (CT of the breast)
-
Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient imaging centers, freestanding radiology/imaging centers, and other outpatient diagnostic facilities where CT imaging is performed.
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 52-year-old woman with a unilateral palpable breast mass and a prior equivocal mammogram is referred for diagnostic breast CT without intravenous contrast to better define lesion morphology. The patient arrives at an outpatient radiology suite; technologists review history and confirm absence of pregnancy. The patient is positioned supine or prone per facility protocol with the single breast to be imaged centered in the CT field. A low-dose, non-contrast CT acquisition of the targeted single breast is performed, with optional 3D rendering for surgical planning or correlation with prior breast imaging. The interpreting radiologist reviews axial and reconstructed images, documents lesion size, density, calcifications, and relationship to surrounding structures, and issues a diagnostic report to the referring breast surgeon or breast clinic. Images and report are delivered to the electronic medical record and image archive for multidisciplinary review and treatment planning.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | When billing only the radiologist interpretation separate from technical services |
TC | Technical component | When billing only the facility/technical portion (scanner, technologist) |
52 | Reduced services | When the CT exam is partially completed with reduced protocol |
53 | Discontinued procedure | When the exam is started but terminated due to patient intolerance or safety |
56 | Preoperative management only | When only preoperative imaging planning services are billed separately (rare) |
76 | Repeat procedure by same provider | Data not available in the input. |
62 | Two surgeons | When two surgeons of different specialties perform separate parts of a procedure (rarely applicable) |
22 | Increased procedural services | When work required is substantially greater than typical for this CT |
26 | Professional component | Data not available in the input. |
| Taxonomy Code | Specialty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
207RX0200X | Diagnostic Radiology | Most common interpreting specialty for breast CT |
207RH0000X | Radiology - Diagnostic | Alternative radiology taxonomy used in payer enrollment |
207V00000X | Surgery of the Breast | Referring and treating surgeons who use CT for surgical planning |
261QM0801X | Radiation Oncology | Uses breast imaging in treatment planning |
Related Diagnoses
| ICD-10 Code | Description | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
R92.8 | Other abnormal and inconclusive findings on diagnostic imaging of breast | Indicates abnormal imaging that may prompt targeted breast CT |
N63 | Unspecified lump in breast | Common presenting symptom leading to targeted breast imaging |
R92.0 | Mammographic microcalcifications | Correlates with focal findings that may be further evaluated with CT |
C50.919 | Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site of unspecified female breast | Imaging used in staging or local extent assessment when malignancy suspected |
N64.4 | Mastodynia | Focal breast pain can prompt diagnostic imaging to exclude structural causes |
Related CPT Codes
| CPT Code | Description | Relationship to This Procedure |
|---|---|---|
77063 | Screening digital breast tomosynthesis, bilateral | Often used prior to targeted breast CT; tomosynthesis is an alternate advanced breast imaging modality |
77067 | Diagnostic mammography, including CAD when performed; bilateral | Common initial diagnostic test in the imaging pathway before targeted CT |
88305 | Surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination | Performed if CT-guided biopsy or surgical excision follows imaging |
19083 | Biopsy, breast, with placement of marker when performed, percutaneous | Performed after imaging identifies a target lesion for tissue diagnosis |
76942 | Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement | May be used alongside CT for biopsy or localization procedures |