Summary & Overview
CPT 74160: CT Scan of Abdomen with Intravenous Contrast
CPT code 74160 represents a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen performed with intravenous contrast material. This imaging study is widely used in clinical practice to evaluate abdominal organs, vascular structures, acute abdominal pain, trauma, neoplastic processes, and infectious or inflammatory conditions. As a core diagnostic imaging code, 74160 has important implications for utilization, clinical workflows, and radiology service delivery nationwide.
Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a national perspective on how 74160 is used clinically, common care settings where the service is furnished, and how payers typically classify and reimburse contrast-enhanced abdominal CT imaging. The publication also outlines benchmarking measures and relevant policy updates affecting imaging authorization, documentation expectations, and site-of-service considerations.
This resource provides concise guidance on interpreting the clinical intent of the code, expected service lines, and the administrative context that influences coverage and billing. Data not available in the input will be noted where applicable, and sections summarize what organizations and radiology departments commonly monitor when managing utilization of CPT code 74160.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 74160 describes a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen performed with intravenous contrast. The procedure produces cross-sectional images of abdominal structures to assist clinicians in diagnosing and managing abdominal conditions, including evaluation of organs, vasculature, inflammatory or infectious processes, trauma, and suspected masses.
Service Type: Diagnostic imaging — CT abdomen with contrast
Typical Site of Service: Hospital outpatient imaging center, hospital radiology department, or freestanding imaging center
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 58-year-old male presents to the emergency department with acute, severe right upper quadrant abdominal pain, fever, and elevated white blood cell count. The emergency physician orders an abdominal computed tomography (CT) with intravenous contrast to evaluate for suspected acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, liver abscess, or other intra-abdominal inflammatory or obstructive processes. The patient is screened for contrast allergies and kidney function; informed consent for contrast administration is obtained per facility protocol. The radiology technologist performs the 74160 exam (CT abdomen with contrast), obtaining axial and reformatted cross-sectional images from the diaphragm through the iliac crests. The radiologist interprets the enhanced images, documents findings (for example, gallbladder wall thickening, pericholecystic fluid, biliary dilation, or hepatic lesions), and issues a report to the ordering provider to guide urgent management decisions such as antibiotics, percutaneous drainage, or surgical consultation.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | When billing only the radiologist interpretation separate from technical services |
TC |