CPT code 70481: CT imaging, orbit, sella, posterior fossa, or ear2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Montana

Contrast-enhanced CT focused on the orbit, sella, posterior fossa, or ear is reported when diagnostic evaluation requires these targeted anatomic regions.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality12.2K Medicare services in 2024

In Montana, Medicare pays $179.69 for 70481 in the office.

$179.69Office (non-facility)
Not available in this settingHospital or facility
−0.0%vs the national office rate ($179.70)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 70481 nationwide

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

We’ll open 70481 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in Montana
  2. What 70481 covers
  3. Compared with other areas
  4. Rate map
  5. How it’s calculated
  6. Payment rules
  7. Related codes
  8. Rate history
  9. Where it applies
  10. Billing questions
  11. Sources

What 70481 covers

This service is a contrast-enhanced CT study directed to the orbit, sella, posterior fossa, or ear. It may be used to evaluate findings such as suspected orbital infection or mass, or a lesion in the sella or posterior fossa. A technologist typically performs the acquisition in a hospital, imaging center, or equipped office; a radiologist interprets the images and reports the findings.

Select this code when the documented study targets one of these regions and uses contrast. Use the corresponding noncontrast or combined-protocol code when the documented protocol differs, and choose a head or maxillofacial CT code when that is the intended anatomic study. Documentation should identify the region examined, clinical indication, contrast protocol, and interpretation. Report the global service without a component modifier, modifier 26 for the interpretation, or modifier TC for the technical service. The diagnostic imaging multiple procedure reduction applies to both the professional and technical components when applicable.

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 70481

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 70481 runs from $158.51 in Arkansas to $244.20 in San Benito County, CA. Montana pays $179.69. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

70481 in Montana vs other payment areas
  1. Montana · this page$179.69
  2. Los Angeles, CA · California$205.80+$26.11
  3. Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$206.93+$27.24
  4. Miami, FL · Florida$190.03+$10.34
  5. Chicago, IL · Illinois$184.55+$4.86
  6. Manhattan, NY · New York$206.48+$26.79
  7. Alaska · Alaska$205.81+$26.12

Other areas in Montana first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.

Every other payment area

70481 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
AlabamaAlabama$160.90—
ArkansasArkansas$158.51—
ArizonaArizona$174.93—
Bakersfield, CACalifornia$192.65—
Chico, CACalifornia$192.36—
El Centro, CACalifornia$192.38—
Fresno, CACalifornia$192.36—
Hanford, CACalifornia$192.36—

70481 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.

$158.51

$218.28

Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.

View every state and territory as a table
70481 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$205.811
AL$160.901
AR$158.511
AZ$174.931
CA$192.36–$244.2029
CO$188.441
CT$191.841
DC$206.931
DE$177.901
FL$175.05–$190.033
GA$165.16–$182.652
GU$197.601
HI$197.601
IA$165.991
ID$166.921
IL$169.21–$186.054
IN$167.941
KS$164.771
KY$163.911
LA$163.48–$171.852
MA$187.09–$208.022
MD$181.50–$206.933
ME$167.36–$177.332
MI$167.91–$176.862
MN$181.641
MO$160.31–$172.993
MS$159.461
MT$179.691
NC$169.241
ND$177.911
NE$167.051
NH$185.061
NJ$194.33–$204.612
NM$168.691
NV$179.331
NY$171.81–$211.075
OH$167.551
OK$164.051
OR$178.24–$195.052
PA$168.06–$186.682
PR$181.191
RI$184.691
SC$168.611
SD$177.701
TN$165.571
TX$166.89–$187.548
UT$170.991
VA$176.43–$206.932
VI$181.191
VT$176.811
WA$186.87–$212.752
WI$171.741
WV$162.661
WY$178.921

See 70481 in every payment locality

How the 70481 rate is calculated

Each of 70481’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 · 70481

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work1.10

1.10 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense4.19

4.19 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.09

0.09 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

5.3800

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$179.70

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

7,799

Code
70481
Physician work
1.10
Practice expense
4.19
Malpractice
0.09

GPCI2026.csv

71

Locality
Montana
Physician work
1.000
Practice expense
1.000
Malpractice
0.998
Office calculation for 70481 in Montana
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work1.10× 1.0001.1000
Practice expense4.19× 1.0004.1900
Malpractice0.09× 0.9980.0898
Total RVUs5.3798
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, Montana$179.69

Office: (1.1 × 1 + 4.19 × 1 + 0.09 × 0.998) × $33.4009 = $179.69

Open 70481 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 70481

The CMS indicators that decide how 70481 is paid alongside other services.

CMS payment indicators · 70481

CT imaging, orbit, sella, posterior fossa, or ear

RuleCMS valueWhat it means
Global periodXXXThe global surgery concept doesn’t apply.
Multiple procedures4Diagnostic imaging reduction applies to the technical component (and professional component) of additional services.
Bilateral (modifier 50)0The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply.
Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS)0Not paid without supporting documentation.
Co-surgeons (62)0Not permitted.
Team surgery (66)0Not permitted.
Professional/technical1Diagnostic test with separate professional (26) and technical (TC) components.

What modifiers do to the payment

Modifier 26 · payment effect

With and without the modifier

70481 without 26 · national office

$179.70

CT imaging, orbit, sella, posterior fossa, or ear

70481-26 · Professional component

$52.11

Pays only the interpretation and report.

When to use modifier 26

How 70481 has changed in Montana

70481 · Office / nonfacility

$179.69

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $2.16 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $177.53 to $179.69 (1.2%).

It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.

Base rate by release · bars start at $0 · select a bar to compare

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
  1. January 1, 2026

    RVU26A

    $177.53changed to$179.69

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 1.13 changed to 1.10
    • Practice expense RVU 4.29 changed to 4.19
    • Malpractice RVU 0.07 changed to 0.09
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.978 changed to 0.998

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $185.02changed to$177.53

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 4.35 changed to 4.29
    • Malpractice RVU 0.08 changed to 0.07

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $182.00changed to$185.02

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $190.39changed to$182.00

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 4.41 changed to 4.35
  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $194.44changed to$190.39

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 4.43 changed to 4.41
    • Malpractice RVU 0.06 changed to 0.08
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.977 changed to 0.978

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $200.59changed to$194.44

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 4.56 changed to 4.43

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $227.66changed to$200.59

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 5.10 changed to 4.56
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.304 changed to 0.977

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    No ratechanged to$227.66

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $282.84changed toNo rate

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $280.60changed to$282.84

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 6.31 changed to 6.33
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.429 changed to 1.631

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    $278.93changed to$280.60

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Practice expense RVU 6.30 changed to 6.31
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.226 changed to 1.429

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2016

    RVU16A

    $278.06changed to$278.93

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
    • Practice expense RVU 6.26 changed to 6.30
    • Malpractice RVU 0.08 changed to 0.09

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $276.67changed to$278.06

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $296.07changed to$276.67

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Practice expense RVU 6.78 changed to 6.26
    • Malpractice RVU 0.09 changed to 0.08
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.165 changed to 1.226

    Held through RVU15B.

  15. January 1, 2014

    RVU14A

    $326.26changed to$296.07

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Practice expense RVU 8.11 changed to 6.78
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.103 changed to 1.165

    Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.

  16. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: $326.26

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$179.69Not available in this settingRVU26D
2026-07-01$179.69Not available in this settingRVU26C
2026-04-01$179.69Not available in this settingRVU26B
2026-01-01$179.69Not available in this settingRVU26A
2025-10-01$177.53Not available in this settingRVU25D
2025-07-01$177.53Not available in this settingRVU25C
2025-04-01$177.53Not available in this settingRVU25B
2025-01-01$177.53Not available in this settingRVU25A
2024-10-01$185.02Not available in this settingRVU24D
2024-07-01$185.02Not available in this settingRVU24C
2024-04-01$185.02Not available in this settingRVU24B
2024-03-09$185.02Not available in this settingRVU24AR
2024-01-01$182.00Not available in this settingRVU24A
2023-10-01$190.39Not available in this settingRVU23D
2023-07-01$190.39Not available in this settingRVU23C
2023-04-01$190.39Not available in this settingRVU23B
2023-01-01$190.39Not available in this settingRVU23A
2022-10-01$194.44Not available in this settingRVU22D
2022-07-01$194.44Not available in this settingRVU22C
2022-04-01$194.44Not available in this settingRVU22B
2022-01-01$194.44Not available in this settingRVU22A
2021-10-01$200.59Not available in this settingRVU21D
2021-07-01$200.59Not available in this settingRVU21C
2021-04-01$200.59Not available in this settingRVU21B
2021-01-01$200.59Not available in this settingRVU21A
2020-10-01$227.66Not available in this settingRVU20D
2020-07-01$227.66Not available in this settingRVU20C
2020-04-01$227.66Not available in this settingRVU20B
2020-01-01$227.66Not available in this settingRVU20A
2019-10-01Additional calculation requiredNot available in this settingRVU19D
2019-07-01Additional calculation requiredNot available in this settingRVU19C
2019-04-01Additional calculation requiredNot available in this settingRVU19B
2019-01-01Additional calculation requiredNot available in this settingRVU19A
2018-10-01$282.84Not available in this settingRVU18D
2018-07-01$282.84Not available in this settingRVU18C
2018-04-01$282.84Not available in this settingRVU18B
2018-01-01$282.84Not available in this settingRVU18AR1
2017-10-01$280.60Not available in this settingRVU17D
2017-07-01$280.60Not available in this settingRVU17C
2017-04-01$280.60Not available in this settingRVU17B
2017-01-01$280.60Not available in this settingRVU17A
2016-10-01$278.93Not available in this settingRVU16D
2016-07-01$278.93Not available in this settingRVU16C
2016-04-01$278.93Not available in this settingRVU16B
2016-01-01$278.93Not available in this settingRVU16A
2015-10-01$278.06Not available in this settingRVU15D
2015-07-01$278.06Not available in this settingRVU15C
2015-04-01$276.67Not available in this settingRVU15B
2015-01-01$276.67Not available in this settingRVU15A
2014-10-01$296.07Not available in this settingRVU14D
2014-07-01$296.07Not available in this settingRVU14C
2014-04-01$296.07Not available in this settingRVU14B
2014-01-01$296.07Not available in this settingRVU14A
2013-10-01$326.26Not available in this settingRVU13D
2013-07-01$326.26Not available in this settingRVU13C
2013-04-01$326.26Not available in this settingRVU13B
2013-01-01$326.26Not available in this settingRVU13AR

Price 70481 for an earlier date of service

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

Browse all communities in Montana

70481 billing questions

How does this differ from 70480?

This code is for a contrast-enhanced study of the specified region. 70480 is used when the study is performed without contrast.

When should 70482 be used instead?

Use 70482 when the documented protocol includes both noncontrast and contrast imaging. This code is for the contrast-enhanced protocol without the noncontrast portion.

Which modifiers identify the professional and technical services?

Use modifier 26 for the professional interpretation and modifier TC for the technical service. Billing without a component modifier represents the global service.

Does the multiple procedure reduction affect both components?

Yes. The diagnostic imaging multiple procedure reduction applies to both the technical and professional components.

Should this code be used for a general head CT with contrast?

No. Use this code when the study targets the orbit, sella, posterior fossa, or ear; 70460 is for a head or brain CT with 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
RVUs for 70481PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 7,799 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for MontanaGPCI2026.csv, line 71 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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