Summary & Overview
CPT 75574: Cardiac CT With Contrast for Coronary Evaluation
CPT code 75574 designates a diagnostic cardiac computed tomography (CT) study performed with intravascular contrast to evaluate the heart, coronary arteries, and coronary artery bypass grafts. The code also encompasses concurrent imaging of cardiac structures, evaluation of cardiac function, and assessment of venous anatomy when performed as part of the same encounter. This service is central to noninvasive coronary assessment and pre- or post-operative graft evaluation, supporting clinical decision-making for suspected coronary artery disease and structural heart conditions.
Key payers in the national coverage landscape include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Coverage policies across these payers typically address clinical indications, prior authorization requirements, and documentation standards for cardiac CT angiography and related cardiac imaging services.
Readers will gain a concise view of what CPT code 75574 represents clinically, where the service is typically delivered, and which major payers commonly cover the service. The publication provides benchmarks and policy context relevant to reimbursement, coding practice, and clinical use of contrast-enhanced cardiac CT, as well as operational considerations for imaging providers. Data not available in the input.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 75574 describes a computed tomography (CT) study of the heart and coronary arteries performed with intravascular contrast instillation. The service evaluates defects or abnormalities in the heart, coronary arteries, and existing coronary artery bypass grafts, and may include imaging of cardiac structures, assessment of cardiac function, and evaluation of venous structures when performed.
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Service type: Diagnostic cardiac CT with contrast
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Typical site of service: Outpatient imaging center or hospital radiology/cardiology department
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 62-year-old male with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presents with exertional chest pain and equivocal findings on stress testing. The cardiologist orders a contrast-enhanced cardiac CT with coronary angiography to evaluate for coronary artery atherosclerotic disease, graft patency after prior CABG, and to assess cardiac chamber anatomy and function. On arrival to the outpatient imaging center, the patient is screened for contraindications to iodinated contrast (renal function, allergy), intravenous access is obtained, and heart rate control (beta blocker) is administered if needed to optimize image quality. The CT technologist and radiologist/cardiologist perform multiphase gated acquisition with contrast bolus timed for coronary opacification. The interpreting provider reviews axial and reformatted images, generates measurements of stenosis severity, evaluates bypass grafts if present, and documents cardiac function and incidental venous findings. The procedure is billed as 75574 with the appropriate professional or technical component modifier if only one component is performed; image post-processing and contrast administration are included in the global service description for this code.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the physician interpretation/report for and the facility bills the technical component. |