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    v1.0.31
    OpenPayerBilling CodesDiagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) Procedures of the Gastrointestinal TractCPT cpt-74262-ct-colon-with-contrast
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    CPT 74262: CT Colon Imaging with Contrast

    Medicare pays $319 on average nationally for this procedure.

    CPT code 74262 describes computed tomography (CT) imaging of the colon performed with contrast to evaluate colonic anatomy and pathology; this is an imaging service typically provided in an outpatient radiology or ambulatory imaging center and results in cross-sectional CT images of the colon for diagnostic interpretation.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Achalasia and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - Minimally Invasive Procedures - Medical Policy, Esophageal Brush Biopsy, Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulation for Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders.

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 62-year-old patient with intermittent rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits, and a positive fecal immunochemical test is referred for colonic imaging. The gastroenterologist orders computed tomography colonography to evaluate for colorectal neoplasia, polyps, or obstructive lesions when optical colonoscopy is incomplete or contraindicated. The patient presents to an outpatient radiology suite or hospital radiology department on the scheduled date. After pre-procedure screening for allergies and renal function, bowel preparation and insufflation of the colon with carbon dioxide are performed by trained technologists under radiologist supervision. Intravenous contrast is administered per protocol unless contraindicated. Thin-slice CT images of the abdomen and pelvis are acquired in supine and prone positions. The radiologist performs image reconstruction, interpretation, and issues a diagnostic report documenting findings such as polyps, masses, or diverticulosis. Typical sites of service include an outpatient radiology center, hospital radiology department, or ambulatory surgical center when performed with sedation or additional services.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    74262Computed tomography, colon, with contrastPrimary procedure: CT colonography using contrast for evaluation of the colon.
    74176Computed tomography, abdomen and pelvis; without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sectionsAlternative or adjunct abdominal/pelvic CT protocol sometimes used when additional evaluation of abdomen and pelvis is required.
    74261Computed tomography, colon, without contrastRelated study when contrast is not administered due to allergy or renal impairment.
    74263Computed tomography, colon; with contrast and virtual colonoscopy interpretation (if distinct reporting code applies) (not an official CPT in some editions)Performed when advanced 3D endoluminal reconstructions or virtual colonoscopy interpretation are reported in addition to standard CT acquisition.
    73718Magnetic resonance imaging, pelvis; without contrast followed by contrast and further sequencesAlternative cross-sectional modality sometimes used for pelvic assessment when CT is contraindicated.

    Related Modifiers

    8 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    59Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
    76Modifier -76, Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician or Other Qualified Health Care Professional, is appended when the same provider performs an identical, medically necessary procedure or…- Use modifier -76 when the same physician or other qualified health care professional performs an identical procedure or service a second (or subsequent) time on the same date of service and the…
    78CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
    80CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…
    62Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    207RC0000X
    2086S0120X
    364SP0813X
    163WH1000X
    2080P0204X
    385H00000X
    251F00000X
    363L00000X

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    27 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    C18.9Malignant neoplasm of colon, unspecified
    C19Malignant neoplasm of rectosigmoid junction
    C20Malignant neoplasm of rectum
    K21.9Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis
    K50.919Crohn's disease, unspecified, with unspecified complications
    K51.919Ulcerative colitis, unspecified with unspecified complications
    K52.9Noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis, unspecified
    K55.9Vascular disorder of intestine, unspecified
    K57.00Diverticulitis of small intestine with perforation and abscess without bleeding
    K57.10Diverticulosis of small intestine without perforation or abscess without bleeding

    Showing 1–10 of 27

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Gastroenterology1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Achalasia and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - Minimally Invasive Procedures - Medical PolicyHealth-New-England2027-02-01
    Esophageal Brush Biopsycaresourcegeorgia2026-12-01
    Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulation for Functional Abdominal Pain Disordersbcbsvermont2026-12-01
    Gastric Pacing/Gastric Electrical Stimulation (GES)Cigna2026-11-15
    Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulation for Disorders of Gut-Brain Interactionpremerabluecrossofwashington2026-11-06
    Percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation for disorders of gut-brain interactionpremerabluecrossofwashington2026-11-06
    Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulation for Disorders of Gut-Brain Interactionpremerabluecrossofwashington2026-11-06
    Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) Coverage Policyevicore2026-11-05
    Non-invasive Testing for Liver FibrosisModa Health2026-11-01
    Surgical Site of Care - Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopyregence2026-11-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-74210-PHARYNX-CERVICAL-ESOPHAGUS-CONTRAST-STUDY

    CPT 74210: Radiologic Exam of Pharynx and Cervical Esophagus with Contrast

    CPT-74220-ESOPHAGRAM-FLUOROSCOPIC-BARIUM-SWALLOW

    CPT 74220: Fluoroscopic Esophagram (Barium Swallow)

    CPT-74221-DOUBLE-CONTRAST-ESOPHAGRAM-BARIUM-EFFERVESCENT

    CPT 74221: Double-Contrast Esophagram with Barium and Effervescent Agent

    CPT-74230-VIDEOFLUOROSCOPIC-SWALLOW-STUDY

    CPT 74230: Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study

    CPT-74235-ESOPHAGEAL-FOREIGN-BODY-REMOVAL-IMAGING-INTERPRETATION

    CPT 74235: Imaging Supervision for Esophageal Foreign Body Removal

    CPT-74240-UPPER-GASTROINTESTINAL-SERIES-BARIUM-CONTRAST

    CPT 74240: Upper Gastrointestinal Barium Contrast Study

    CPT-74246-UPPER-GI-DOUBLE-CONTRAST-FLUOROSCOPY

    CPT 74246: Upper GI Series with Air and High-Density Barium

    CPT-74248-SMALL-INTESTINE-FOLLOW-THROUGH-AFTER-UPPER-GASTROINTESTINAL-STUDY

    CPT 74248: Small Intestine Follow-Through, Multiple Series

    CPT-74250-SMALL-BOWEL-SINGLE-CONTRAST-BARIUM-STUDY

    CPT 74250: Small Bowel Single‑Contrast Barium Study

    CPT-74251-SMALL-BOWEL-DOUBLE-CONTRAST-ENTERIC-RADIOGRAPHY

    CPT 74251: Small Bowel Double-Contrast Enteroclysis

    Showing 1–10 of 25

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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