Summary & Overview
HCPCS Q9960: High Osmolar Contrast, 200–249 mg/ml, per ml
HCPCS Level II code Q9960 designates high-osmolar iodinated contrast material with an iodine concentration of 200–249 mg/ml, billed per milliliter. This supply code is important for accurate accounting of contrast used in diagnostic imaging and image-guided interventions, and it affects billing, inventory management, and clinical documentation across care settings. Nationally, consistent reporting of contrast supply supports correct reimbursement and resource tracking for hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and ambulatory surgical facilities.
Key payers covered in this publication include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise review of the clinical context for Q9960, the typical sites of service where this contrast is used, and the operational implications for providers and billing teams. The publication summarizes benchmark considerations, common payer coverage patterns, and relevant coding practices where available.
The report does not attempt to provide provider recommendations; instead, it delivers factual context and benchmarks to inform administrative and clinical decision-making related to contrast usage and billing. Data not available in the input are noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code Q9960 represents high osmolar contrast material, 200-249 mg/ml iodine concentration, billed per ml. This code is used to report the supply of a high-osmolar iodine-based contrast agent by volume.
Service type: Contrast media supply for diagnostic imaging or interventional radiology procedures.
Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient imaging departments, ambulatory surgical centers, and radiology suites where contrast-enhanced imaging or image-guided procedures are performed.
Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 68-year-old male with known peripheral arterial disease presents to the radiology suite for a diagnostic peripheral CT angiography to evaluate worsening claudication and suspected progression of stenosis. The ordering vascular surgeon requests iodinated intravascular contrast to opacify the arterial tree. The facility selects a high osmolar contrast agent with iodine concentration in the 200–249 mg/ml range billed under Q9960 for per-milliliter supply use. The workflow includes pre-procedure assessment for contrast allergy and renal function, intravenous access placement by radiology staff or vascular access team, administration of the contrast during the CT angiographic acquisition by an imaging technologist under radiologist supervision, immediate image review for adequacy, and post-procedure monitoring for adverse reactions. Documentation includes contrast type and concentration (Q9960), volume administered, lot number, patient vitals and any reaction, and correlation of imaging findings with the referring diagnosis. Typical site of service is an outpatient radiology or hospital imaging department; inpatient imaging and ambulatory surgery centers may also use this agent when intravascular high osmolar contrast is indicated.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | Default, no modifier |