Summary & Overview
CPT 75571: Non-Contrast CT Coronary Calcium Scoring
CPT code 75571 denotes a non-contrast computed tomography (CT) examination performed to quantitatively measure coronary artery calcium. Coronary calcium scoring is a widely used risk-stratification tool for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease that provides an objective measure of calcified plaque burden and helps guide preventive care decisions. Nationally, the availability and coverage of calcium scoring affect access to preventive cardiology services and influence imaging utilization patterns.
Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication reviews coverage nuances and common billing practices across these major payers, highlights typical sites of service (outpatient imaging centers and hospital outpatient departments), and summarizes clinical context around coronary artery calcium scoring.
Readers will find concise benchmarks for how CPT code 75571 is used, an overview of policy considerations that influence access and reimbursement, and clinical context explaining when non-contrast coronary CT calcium scoring is performed and reported. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 75571 describes a non-contrast cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan for quantitative measurement of coronary artery calcium (coronary calcium scoring). The procedure uses CT imaging without intravenous contrast to quantify calcified plaque in the coronary vessels and produce an Agatston or equivalent calcium score.
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Service type: Diagnostic imaging, non-contrast CT for coronary artery calcium scoring
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Typical site of service: Imaging center or hospital outpatient radiology/CT suite
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 58-year-old patient with multiple cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, family history of premature coronary artery disease) is referred by their primary care physician for coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring to quantify coronary atherosclerotic burden. The patient arrives at an outpatient radiology clinic or hospital imaging center and is registered for a non-contrast cardiac CT. The CT technologist confirms identity, reviews contraindications (allergies and recent contrast), and positions the patient supine with ECG leads applied for cardiac gating as needed. The imager (radiologist or cardiology imaging specialist) reviews prior imaging and indications, performs acquisition using a non-contrast, ECG-gated protocol for coronary calcium scoring, and generates an Agatston score with region-of-interest measurements for coronary vessels. Results are interpreted and a structured report is issued with the Agatston score, vessel-specific scores, and an assessment of cardiovascular risk. The ordering clinician receives the report and integrates the score with clinical risk factors to guide preventive therapy planning and risk communication. Typical sites of service include outpatient radiology centers, hospital outpatient departments, and cardiology clinics with CT capability. The service type is diagnostic, non-contrast cardiac CT for quantitative coronary calcium measurement, performed without intravenous contrast.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | When reporting only the interpreting physician's work separate from technical component billing. |