CPT code 70481: CT imaging, orbit, sella, posterior fossa, or ear2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Utah
Contrast-enhanced CT focused on the orbit, sella, posterior fossa, or ear is reported when diagnostic evaluation requires these targeted anatomic regions.
In Utah, Medicare pays $170.99 for 70481 in the office.
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.
On this page 11 sections
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 Utah 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. Utah pays $170.99. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Utah · this page$170.99
- Los Angeles, CA · California$205.80+$34.81
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$206.93+$35.94
- Miami, FL · Florida$190.03+$19.04
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$184.55+$13.56
- Manhattan, NY · New York$206.48+$35.49
- Alaska · Alaska$205.81+$34.82
Other areas in Utah first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $192.36 | — |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $192.36 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $192.36 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $225.04 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $205.06 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $192.36 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $192.36 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $193.35 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $202.44 | — |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $201.69 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $206.85 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $238.94 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $238.84 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $244.20 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $243.78 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $198.38 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $209.16 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $202.56 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $211.31 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $192.36 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $224.89 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $192.36 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $192.36 | — |
| ColoradoColorado | $188.44 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $191.84 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $177.90 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $183.95 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $175.05 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $182.65 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $165.16 | — |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $197.60 | — |
| IowaIowa | $165.99 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $166.92 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $171.55 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $169.21 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $186.05 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $167.94 | — |
| KansasKansas | $164.77 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $163.91 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $171.85 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $163.48 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $208.02 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $187.09 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $191.21 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $181.50 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $167.36 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $177.33 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $176.86 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $167.91 | — |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $181.64 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $171.09 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $172.99 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $160.31 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $159.46 | — |
| MontanaMontana | $179.69 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $169.24 | — |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $177.91 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $167.05 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $185.06 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $204.61 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $194.33 | — |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $168.69 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $179.33 | — |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $211.07 | — |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $195.28 | — |
| Queens, NYNew York | $208.85 | — |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $171.81 | — |
| OhioOhio | $167.55 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $164.05 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $195.05 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $178.24 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $186.68 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $168.06 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $181.19 | — |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $184.69 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $168.61 | — |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $177.70 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $165.57 | — |
| Austin, TXTexas | $187.54 | — |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $166.89 | — |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $178.07 | — |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $179.04 | — |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $177.68 | — |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $178.49 | — |
| Houston, TXTexas | $180.14 | — |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $172.27 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $176.43 | — |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $181.19 | — |
| VermontVermont | $176.81 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $186.87 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $212.75 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $171.74 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $162.66 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $178.92 | — |
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
| State / territory | Office rate range | Localities |
|---|---|---|
| AK | $205.81 | 1 |
| AL | $160.90 | 1 |
| AR | $158.51 | 1 |
| AZ | $174.93 | 1 |
| CA | $192.36–$244.20 | 29 |
| CO | $188.44 | 1 |
| CT | $191.84 | 1 |
| DC | $206.93 | 1 |
| DE | $177.90 | 1 |
| FL | $175.05–$190.03 | 3 |
| GA | $165.16–$182.65 | 2 |
| GU | $197.60 | 1 |
| HI | $197.60 | 1 |
| IA | $165.99 | 1 |
| ID | $166.92 | 1 |
| IL | $169.21–$186.05 | 4 |
| IN | $167.94 | 1 |
| KS | $164.77 | 1 |
| KY | $163.91 | 1 |
| LA | $163.48–$171.85 | 2 |
| MA | $187.09–$208.02 | 2 |
| MD | $181.50–$206.93 | 3 |
| ME | $167.36–$177.33 | 2 |
| MI | $167.91–$176.86 | 2 |
| MN | $181.64 | 1 |
| MO | $160.31–$172.99 | 3 |
| MS | $159.46 | 1 |
| MT | $179.69 | 1 |
| NC | $169.24 | 1 |
| ND | $177.91 | 1 |
| NE | $167.05 | 1 |
| NH | $185.06 | 1 |
| NJ | $194.33–$204.61 | 2 |
| NM | $168.69 | 1 |
| NV | $179.33 | 1 |
| NY | $171.81–$211.07 | 5 |
| OH | $167.55 | 1 |
| OK | $164.05 | 1 |
| OR | $178.24–$195.05 | 2 |
| PA | $168.06–$186.68 | 2 |
| PR | $181.19 | 1 |
| RI | $184.69 | 1 |
| SC | $168.61 | 1 |
| SD | $177.70 | 1 |
| TN | $165.57 | 1 |
| TX | $166.89–$187.54 | 8 |
| UT | $170.99 | 1 |
| VA | $176.43–$206.93 | 2 |
| VI | $181.19 | 1 |
| VT | $176.81 | 1 |
| WA | $186.87–$212.75 | 2 |
| WI | $171.74 | 1 |
| WV | $162.66 | 1 |
| WY | $178.92 | 1 |
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
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 Utah 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
104
- Locality
- Utah
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 0.940
- Malpractice
- 0.898
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 1.10 | × 1.000 | 1.1000 |
| Practice expense | 4.19 | × 0.940 | 3.9386 |
| Malpractice | 0.09 | × 0.898 | 0.0808 |
| Total RVUs | 5.1194 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Utah$170.99
Office: (1.1 × 1 + 4.19 × 0.94 + 0.09 × 0.898) × $33.4009 = $170.99
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
| 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
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.
How 70481 has changed in Utah
70481 · Office / nonfacility
$170.99
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $2.86 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $168.13 to $170.99 (1.7%).
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
$168.13changed to$170.99
- 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
- Practice expense GPCI 0.933 changed to 0.940
- Malpractice GPCI 0.930 changed to 0.898
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$175.19changed to$168.13
- 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.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$172.33changed to$175.19
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$179.02changed to$172.33
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 4.41 changed to 4.35
- Practice expense GPCI 0.926 changed to 0.933
- Malpractice GPCI 0.865 changed to 0.930
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$181.65changed to$179.02
- 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
- Practice expense GPCI 0.919 changed to 0.926
- Malpractice GPCI 0.799 changed to 0.865
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$187.33changed to$181.65
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 4.56 changed to 4.43
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$212.79changed to$187.33
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 5.10 changed to 4.56
- Practice expense GPCI 0.923 changed to 0.919
- Malpractice GPCI 0.982 changed to 0.799
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
No ratechanged to$212.79
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$264.70changed toNo rate
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$262.77changed to$264.70
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense RVU 6.31 changed to 6.33
- Practice expense GPCI 0.925 changed to 0.927
- Malpractice GPCI 1.167 changed to 1.165
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$261.15changed to$262.77
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Practice expense RVU 6.30 changed to 6.31
- Practice expense GPCI 0.922 changed to 0.925
- Malpractice GPCI 1.169 changed to 1.167
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$260.35changed to$261.15
- 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.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$259.05changed to$260.35
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$276.30changed to$259.05
- 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
- Practice expense GPCI 0.919 changed to 0.922
- Malpractice GPCI 1.136 changed to 1.169
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
$303.07changed to$276.30
- Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
- Practice expense RVU 8.11 changed to 6.78
- Practice expense GPCI 0.916 changed to 0.919
- Malpractice GPCI 1.102 changed to 1.136
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: $303.07
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $170.99 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $170.99 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $170.99 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $170.99 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $168.13 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $168.13 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $168.13 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $168.13 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $175.19 | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $175.19 | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $175.19 | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $175.19 | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $172.33 | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $179.02 | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $179.02 | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $179.02 | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $179.02 | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $181.65 | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $181.65 | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $181.65 | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $181.65 | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $187.33 | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $187.33 | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $187.33 | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $187.33 | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $212.79 | Not available in this setting | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $212.79 | Not available in this setting | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $212.79 | Not available in this setting | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $212.79 | 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 | $264.70 | Not available in this setting | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $264.70 | Not available in this setting | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $264.70 | Not available in this setting | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $264.70 | Not available in this setting | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $262.77 | Not available in this setting | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $262.77 | Not available in this setting | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $262.77 | Not available in this setting | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $262.77 | Not available in this setting | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $261.15 | Not available in this setting | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $261.15 | Not available in this setting | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $261.15 | Not available in this setting | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $261.15 | Not available in this setting | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $260.35 | Not available in this setting | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $260.35 | Not available in this setting | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $259.05 | Not available in this setting | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $259.05 | Not available in this setting | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $276.30 | Not available in this setting | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $276.30 | Not available in this setting | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $276.30 | Not available in this setting | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $276.30 | Not available in this setting | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | $303.07 | Not available in this setting | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | $303.07 | Not available in this setting | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | $303.07 | Not available in this setting | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | $303.07 | Not available in this setting | RVU13AR |
Where the Utah rate applies
Utah is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 334 cities and communities in Utah. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Alpine
- Alta
- Altamont
- Alton
- Amalga
- American Fork
- Aneth
- Annabella
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
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