CPT code 70480: Targeted CT, without contrast2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Montana
Reports CT imaging without contrast of the orbit, sella, posterior fossa, or ear when the study targets these specific structures.
In Montana, Medicare pays $158.31 for 70480 in the office.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 70480 nationwide
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
On this page 11 sections
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.
How Montana compares for 70480
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 70480 runs from $140.85 in Arkansas to $211.71 in San Benito County, CA. Montana pays $158.31. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Montana · this page$158.31
- Los Angeles, CA · California$179.80+$21.49
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$181.13+$22.82
- Miami, FL · Florida$167.57+$9.26
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$163.07+$4.76
- Manhattan, NY · New York$181.15+$22.84
- Alaska · Alaska$185.23+$26.92
Other areas in Montana first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $142.82 | — |
| ArkansasArkansas | $140.85 | — |
| ArizonaArizona | $154.37 | — |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $168.84 | — |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $168.54 | — |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $168.55 | — |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $168.54 | — |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $168.54 | — |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $168.54 | — |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $168.54 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $168.54 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $195.58 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $179.02 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $168.54 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $168.54 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $169.53 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $176.94 | — |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $176.28 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $180.45 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $207.22 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $207.12 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $211.71 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $211.30 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $173.42 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $182.22 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $176.95 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $184.07 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $168.54 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $195.44 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $168.54 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $168.54 | — |
| ColoradoColorado | $165.43 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $168.53 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $156.86 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $162.23 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $154.84 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $160.87 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $146.63 | — |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $172.61 | — |
| IowaIowa | $146.85 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $147.65 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $152.28 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $150.13 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $164.00 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $148.49 | — |
| KansasKansas | $145.93 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $145.46 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $152.03 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $145.13 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $181.73 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $164.40 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $167.99 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $159.85 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $148.10 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $156.19 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $156.41 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $148.83 | — |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $159.50 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $151.32 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $152.88 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $142.57 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $141.75 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $149.63 | — |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $156.53 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $147.71 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $162.60 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $179.33 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $170.73 | — |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $149.50 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $157.93 | — |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $185.03 | — |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $171.62 | — |
| Queens, NYNew York | $182.99 | — |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $151.75 | — |
| OhioOhio | $148.46 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $145.50 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $170.82 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $156.97 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $164.31 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $148.84 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $159.52 | — |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $162.54 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $149.24 | — |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $156.32 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $146.59 | — |
| Austin, TXTexas | $164.65 | — |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $147.89 | — |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $156.97 | — |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $157.81 | — |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $156.72 | — |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $157.34 | — |
| Houston, TXTexas | $158.99 | — |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $152.24 | — |
| UtahUtah | $151.20 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $155.51 | — |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $159.52 | — |
| VermontVermont | $155.70 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $164.16 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $185.64 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $151.47 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $144.74 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $157.54 | — |
70480 rates by state
Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.
Explore a state
Local rates. Clear comparisons.
Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.
$140.85
$190.13
Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.
View every state and territory as a table
| State / territory | Office rate range | Localities |
|---|---|---|
| AK | $185.23 | 1 |
| AL | $142.82 | 1 |
| AR | $140.85 | 1 |
| AZ | $154.37 | 1 |
| CA | $168.54–$211.71 | 29 |
| CO | $165.43 | 1 |
| CT | $168.53 | 1 |
| DC | $181.13 | 1 |
| DE | $156.86 | 1 |
| FL | $154.84–$167.57 | 3 |
| GA | $146.63–$160.87 | 2 |
| GU | $172.61 | 1 |
| HI | $172.61 | 1 |
| IA | $146.85 | 1 |
| ID | $147.65 | 1 |
| IL | $150.13–$164.00 | 4 |
| IN | $148.49 | 1 |
| KS | $145.93 | 1 |
| KY | $145.46 | 1 |
| LA | $145.13–$152.03 | 2 |
| MA | $164.40–$181.73 | 2 |
| MD | $159.85–$181.13 | 3 |
| ME | $148.10–$156.19 | 2 |
| MI | $148.83–$156.41 | 2 |
| MN | $159.50 | 1 |
| MO | $142.57–$152.88 | 3 |
| MS | $141.75 | 1 |
| MT | $158.31 | 1 |
| NC | $149.63 | 1 |
| ND | $156.53 | 1 |
| NE | $147.71 | 1 |
| NH | $162.60 | 1 |
| NJ | $170.73–$179.33 | 2 |
| NM | $149.50 | 1 |
| NV | $157.93 | 1 |
| NY | $151.75–$185.03 | 5 |
| OH | $148.46 | 1 |
| OK | $145.50 | 1 |
| OR | $156.97–$170.82 | 2 |
| PA | $148.84–$164.31 | 2 |
| PR | $159.52 | 1 |
| RI | $162.54 | 1 |
| SC | $149.24 | 1 |
| SD | $156.32 | 1 |
| TN | $146.59 | 1 |
| TX | $147.89–$164.65 | 8 |
| UT | $151.20 | 1 |
| VA | $155.51–$181.13 | 2 |
| VI | $159.52 | 1 |
| VT | $155.70 | 1 |
| WA | $164.16–$185.64 | 2 |
| WI | $151.47 | 1 |
| WV | $144.74 | 1 |
| WY | $157.54 | 1 |
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.
How the rate is built · 70480
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work1.25
1.25 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense3.40
3.40 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.09
0.09 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
4.7400
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$158.32
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Montana inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
7,796
- Code
- 70480
- Physician work
- 1.25
- Practice expense
- 3.40
- Malpractice
- 0.09
GPCI2026.csv
71
- Locality
- Montana
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 1.000
- Malpractice
- 0.998
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 1.25 | × 1.000 | 1.2500 |
| Practice expense | 3.40 | × 1.000 | 3.4000 |
| Malpractice | 0.09 | × 0.998 | 0.0898 |
| Total RVUs | 4.7398 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Montana$158.31
Office: (1.25 × 1 + 3.4 × 1 + 0.09 × 0.998) × $33.4009 = $158.31
Payment rules and modifiers for 70480
The CMS indicators that decide how 70480 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 70480
Targeted CT, without contrast
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | XXX | The global surgery concept doesn’t apply. |
| Multiple procedures | 4 | Diagnostic imaging reduction applies to the technical component (and professional component) of additional services. |
| Bilateral (modifier 50) | 0 | The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply. |
| Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS) | 0 | Not paid without supporting documentation. |
| Co-surgeons (62) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Team surgery (66) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Professional/technical | 1 | Diagnostic test with separate professional (26) and technical (TC) components. |
What modifiers do to the payment
Modifier 26 · payment effect
With and without the modifier
70480 without 26 · national office
$158.32
Targeted CT, without contrast
70480-26 · Professional component
$59.12
Pays only the interpretation and report.
How 70480 has changed in Montana
70480 · Office / nonfacility
$158.31
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $1.81 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $156.50 to $158.31 (1.2%).
It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.
One bar per available release, ordered by effective date. Missing rates remain gaps. These comparisons hold the code, setting and locality identifiers constant; they do not isolate which policy or input caused a change.
What changed, release by release
January 1, 2026
RVU26A
$156.50changed to$158.31
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 1.28 changed to 1.25
- Practice expense RVU 3.48 changed to 3.40
- Malpractice RVU 0.08 changed to 0.09
- Malpractice GPCI 0.978 changed to 0.998
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$162.71changed to$156.50
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 3.52 changed to 3.48
- Malpractice RVU 0.09 changed to 0.08
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$160.05changed to$162.71
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$166.67changed to$160.05
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 3.56 changed to 3.52
- Malpractice RVU 0.08 changed to 0.09
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$170.20changed to$166.67
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Malpractice GPCI 0.977 changed to 0.978
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$173.72changed to$170.20
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 3.64 changed to 3.56
- Malpractice RVU 0.06 changed to 0.08
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
October 1, 2021
RVU21D
No ratechanged to$173.72
July 1, 2021
RVU21C
$173.72changed toNo rate
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
No ratechanged to$173.72
Held through RVU21B.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: No rate
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D, RVU14A, RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D, RVU15A, RVU15B, RVU15C, RVU15D, RVU16A, RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D, RVU17A, RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D, RVU18AR1, RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D, RVU19A, RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D, RVU20A, RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $158.31 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $158.31 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $158.31 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $158.31 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $156.50 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $156.50 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $156.50 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $156.50 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $162.71 | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $162.71 | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $162.71 | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $162.71 | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $160.05 | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $166.67 | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $166.67 | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $166.67 | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $166.67 | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $170.20 | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $170.20 | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $170.20 | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $170.20 | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $173.72 | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $173.72 | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $173.72 | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU13AR |
Where the Montana rate applies
Montana is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 497 cities and communities in Montana. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Absarokee
- Acton
- Alberton
- Alder
- Alzada
- Amsterdam
- Anaconda-Deer Lodge County
- Antelope
70480 billing questions
When should this code be chosen instead of a head CT?
Use this code for a targeted study of the orbit, sella, posterior fossa, or ear. A head CT is for imaging the brain and broader intracranial structures.
How does this code differ from the contrast-enhanced orbit, ear, or fossa study?
This code is for imaging performed without contrast. Use the contrast or without-and-with-contrast code when the documented examination includes those contrast techniques.
What do modifiers 26 and TC represent?
Modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation, and modifier TC identifies the technical service, including equipment and staff. Without either modifier, the claim represents the global service.
Does the multiple-procedure imaging reduction affect only the technical portion?
No. When the diagnostic imaging multiple-procedure reduction applies, CMS applies it to both the technical and professional components.
What documentation supports reporting this targeted CT?
The order and imaging report should establish the specific region examined—such as the orbit or temporal bone—and that the study was performed without contrast.
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
Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
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