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CPT 71250: CT Thorax Without Contrast
CPT code 71250 denotes a non-contrast computed tomography (CT) examination of the thorax. This diagnostic imaging procedure is widely used to evaluate pulmonary disease, focal lung findings, chest pain presentations, and other thoracic complaints where contrast is not required. Nationally, non-contrast chest CTs are central to triaging acute and chronic respiratory conditions and inform subsequent testing or interventions.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The summary highlights coverage considerations and typical clinical contexts for which the non-contrast thoracic CT is billed.
Readers will find concise benchmarks on code utilization and payer coverage patterns, clinical context tying common indications to the procedure, and comparisons to related chest CT codes that include contrast or angiographic techniques. The content clarifies where CPT code 71250 fits within common diagnostic workflows and lists related codes for contrast-enhanced CT and CT angiography of the chest. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 71250 describes a computed tomography (CT) examination of the thorax performed without contrast material. The service is a diagnostic radiology procedure focused on imaging the chest structures, including the lungs, mediastinum, and pleura.
Service type: Diagnostic imaging — CT scan of the thorax without contrast
Typical site of service: Outpatient radiology department, hospital imaging center, or ambulatory imaging facility
National Reimbursement Benchmarks
National averages show a clear separation between Medicare and commercial contracting: Medicare’s mean rate is $91.90, while BUCA’s mean (representing an average commercial cohort) is $329.20, so BUCA averages about $237.30 higher than Medicare for CPT 71250. This underscores that commercial payers reimburse substantially above the federal program on this code, with BUCA sitting well above Medicare’s midpoint (Medicare p50 $85) and near the commercial median band.
Dispersion varies materially across payers. Calculating the interquartile spread (P75–P25), Blue Cross Blue Shield has the widest IQR at $196.90 ($541.50–$364.60), while Aetna is the tightest at $109.00 ($159.20–$52.00). UnitedHealth Group’s IQR is $128.10, Cigna’s is $149.60, and BUCA’s IQR is $156.70; Medicare’s IQR is $76.00 ($128–$52). These differences indicate notably more variability among several commercial payers versus Medicare’s relatively narrow middle band.