CPT code 70480: Targeted CT, without contrast2026 Medicare rate & RVUs

Medicare pays $158.32 for 70480 nationally in the office. Local office rates run $140.85–$211.71.

Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.

What 70480 covers

This study uses computed tomography without contrast to examine the orbit, sella, posterior fossa, or outer, middle, or inner ear. A CT technologist acquires the images, and a radiologist typically interprets them in a hospital or outpatient imaging center. Common indications include evaluating orbital or temporal bone trauma, detailed ear anatomy, and abnormalities involving the sella or posterior fossa.

Choose this code when the requested and imaged anatomy matches these targeted regions and no contrast is used. The imaging report should identify the anatomy examined and the noncontrast technique; the order and clinical record should support the study. Billing without a modifier represents the global service, including both image acquisition and interpretation. Modifier 26 reports the professional interpretation, while modifier TC reports the technical service. When the diagnostic imaging multiple-procedure reduction applies, it affects both the professional and technical components.

This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.

Where 70480 pays more and less

The same RVUs, adjusted for each area’s costs. Open a locality for its calculation, history and nearby areas.

109 of 109 payment localities

70480 rates by state

Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.

How the 70480 rate is calculated

Each of 70480’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.

Payment rules and modifiers for 70480

The CMS indicators that decide how 70480 is paid alongside other services.

What modifiers do to the payment

When to use modifier 26

70480 compared with similar codes

How to choose

70481CT imagingOrbit, sella, posterior fossa, or ear

Both cover targeted imaging of the orbit, sella, posterior fossa, or ear; 70481 is for a study performed with contrast.

70482CT imagingWithout and with contrast

Choose 70482 when the targeted examination includes imaging both without and with contrast; this code is for noncontrast imaging only.

70450Head CTWithout contrast

70450 is a noncontrast head and brain CT. Use this code when the examination targets the orbit, sella, posterior fossa, or ear instead.

70486Maxillofacial CTWithout contrast

70486 is for noncontrast CT focused on the maxillofacial region. Select this code when the documented target is the orbit, sella, posterior fossa, or ear.

Codes related to 70480

Related codes aren’t interchangeable: bill the code that matches the service performed.

Where these rates come from

FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.

CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates