CPT 71271: Low-Dose CT Scan of Thorax Without Contrast for Lung Cancer Screening - OpenPayer

Summary & Overview

CPT 71271: Low-Dose CT Scan of Thorax Without Contrast for Lung Cancer Screening

CPT code 71271 represents a low–dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan of the thorax performed without contrast for lung cancer screening. This screening-focused imaging code is nationally important because LDCT is the primary modality for early detection of lung cancer in eligible populations, balancing diagnostic yield with reduced radiation exposure. Coverage and utilization of 71271 influence preventive care delivery, screening program implementation, and imaging resource allocation across health systems.

Key payers included in this analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise review of how 71271 is defined clinically, common settings where the service is provided, and the payer landscape relevant to reimbursement and coverage policies. The publication summarizes national benchmarks where available, highlights notable payer policy elements that affect access to LDCT screening, and outlines the clinical context for use — specifically screening for lung cancer without intravenous contrast in low-dose technique.

This summary provides clinicians, billers, and policy stakeholders with a focused reference on the code’s clinical role, typical sites of service, and the payers most relevant to national coverage and utilization discussions. Data not available in the input are explicitly identified where applicable.

AetnaBlue Cross Blue ShieldCigna HealthUnitedHealthcareMedicare71271CPTlow-dose CTlung cancer screeningthorax imagingdiagnostic radiologyscreening protocolsimaging reimbursement

Billing Code Overview

CPT code 71271 describes a low–dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan of the thorax performed without contrast for the purpose of lung cancer screening. The service is a diagnostic imaging study using low–dose ionizing radiation optimized to detect pulmonary nodules and early-stage lung malignancies while minimizing radiation exposure.

Service type: Screening low–dose CT of the chest (thorax) without contrast.

Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient radiology department, freestanding imaging center, or outpatient clinic imaging suite.

Data not available in the input.

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 64-year-old current or former heavy smoker presents for a lung cancer screening visit. The primary care clinician documents a shared decision-making visit and confirms eligibility: age 50–80 years (per current guidance), a 20+ pack-year smoking history, and current smoking or having quit within the past 15 years. The clinician orders a low-dose chest CT to screen for early-stage lung cancer. The patient arrives at the radiology department, registration verifies insurance (examples: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, BUCA, Medicare), and staff confirm no contraindications to non-contrast imaging. The CT technologist performs a low–dose, non-contrast, single-phase CT of the thorax using a lung cancer screening protocol. Images are reconstructed with lung and mediastinal windows and transmitted to a board-certified radiologist (Diagnostic Radiology or Thoracic Radiology) who interprets the study, issues a structured report including Lung-RADS assessment, and communicates actionable findings to the referring clinician. The radiology billing workflow files the screening CT under 71271 and appends any appropriate modifiers (for example, professional component modifier 26 when only the interpretation is billed separately). Follow-up recommendations direct surveillance imaging or referral to pulmonology or thoracic surgery as indicated by findings.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`26`

Related Codes

cpt-71550-mri-chest-without-contrast

CPT 71550: MRI of Chest Without Contrast

cpt-71120-sternum-two-view-radiograph

CPT 71120: Two-View Radiograph of Sternum

cpt-71048-chest-radiography-four-views

CPT 71048: Chest Radiography, Minimum Four Views

cpt-71260-ct-thorax-with-contrast

CPT 71260: CT Thorax with Contrast

cpt-71110-three-view-bilateral-rib-radiographs

CPT 71110: Three-View Bilateral Radiographs of Ribs

cpt-71111-ribs-radiological-study-four-views-chest-pa

CPT 71111: Four-View Radiological Study of Ribs, Including PA Chest

cpt-71551-chest-mri-with-contrast

CPT 71551: Chest MRI With Contrast

cpt-71101-three-view-unilateral-ribs-study-pa-chest

CPT 71101: Three-View Unilateral Ribs Study with PA Chest

71047

CPT 71047: Chest X-Ray, Three Views

cpt-71552-chest-mri-noncontrast-and-contrast

CPT 71552: Chest MRI, Non-Contrast Followed by Contrast

Showing 1–10 of 18

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
`2085R0200X`	Diagnostic Radiology	Primary specialty responsible for image interpretation and final report.
`207RC0000X`	Radiology — Thoracic Radiology	Subspecialists who interpret lung cancer screening CTs and assign Lung-RADS.
`363L00000X`	Pulmonology	Clinicians who order the test and manage positive screening findings.
`1744P0800X`	Family Medicine	Primary care clinicians who perform eligibility assessment and shared decision-making and place orders.
`2084P0800X`	Internal Medicine	Hospital- or clinic-based internists who screen eligible patients and place orders.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`Z12.2`	Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of respiratory organs	Directly indicates lung cancer screening and supports billing LCD/payer screening criteria.
`Z87.891`	Personal history of nicotine dependence	Documents tobacco exposure and justifies screening eligibility when combined with pack-year history.
`F17.210`	Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, uncomplicated, in remission	Indicates current or recent tobacco use status relevant to screening eligibility.
`R91.8`	Other nonspecific abnormal findings of lung field	Used when screening identifies an indeterminate pulmonary nodule or other nonspecific finding requiring follow-up.
`C34.90`	Malignant neoplasm of unspecified part of unspecified bronchus or lung	Used when a suspicious lesion identified on screening is subsequently confirmed as malignancy.
`Z71.6`	Tobacco abuse counseling	Documents the counseling component often performed during the shared decision-making visit prior to screening.
`Z02.89`	Encounter for administrative examination, other specified	Occasionally used for documentation of eligibility/clearance visits connected to screening logistics.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`71260`	CT scan, thorax; without contrast material	Alternative diagnostic chest CT often used for diagnostic evaluation rather than low-dose screening; may be used if screening detects an abnormality requiring diagnostic CT.
`71270`	CT scan, thorax; with contrast material(s)	Used when further characterization of a nodule or mediastinal abnormality requires contrast-enhanced chest CT.
`71275`	CT scan, thorax; without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences	Used when initial non-contrast screening leads immediately to contrast-enhanced diagnostic phases during same encounter.
`G0297`	Low dose CT for lung cancer screening (LDCT) — image interpretation and report	Medicare-specific screening code for LDCT screening; related for payers that recognize G-codes for screening services.
`96374`	Therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic injection (specify drug)	Not routine for screening CT; may be used in associated procedures if contrast or medications are administered (contrast injection codes differ by facility billing practices).