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CPT code 70492: CT neck, without and with contrast2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in New Mexico

CT imaging of the soft tissues of the neck before and after contrast is reported when both noncontrast and contrast-enhanced image sets are obtained.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality24.9K Medicare services in 2024

In New Mexico, Medicare pays $206.87 for 70492 in the office.

$206.87Office (non-facility)
Not available in this settingHospital or facility
−5.9%vs the national office rate ($219.78)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 70492 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 70492 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in New Mexico
  2. What 70492 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 70492 covers

This examination uses computed tomography to assess soft tissues in the neck, including structures such as cervical lymph nodes, salivary glands, and the pharynx or larynx. It may be ordered to evaluate a neck mass, enlarged nodes, or suspected deep neck infection. A radiologic technologist acquires the images, typically with intravenous contrast for the enhanced portion, and a radiologist interprets the study in an outpatient imaging center or hospital department.

Report this code when the examination includes images obtained both without and with contrast; a contrast-only study is coded differently. The order and report should support the clinical indication, the neck anatomy examined, both image sets, and the interpreting physician’s findings. Billing without a component modifier represents the global service. Modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation, while modifier TC identifies the technical service. When multiple diagnostic imaging procedures are performed, the multiple procedure reduction applies to both the technical and professional 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 New Mexico compares for 70492

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 70492 runs from $195.08 in Arkansas to $296.37 in San Benito County, CA. New Mexico pays $206.87. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

70492 in New Mexico vs other payment areas
  1. New Mexico · this page$206.87
  2. Los Angeles, CA · California$250.77+$43.90
  3. Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$252.14+$45.27
  4. Miami, FL · Florida$231.60+$24.73
  5. Chicago, IL · Illinois$225.29+$18.42
  6. Manhattan, NY · New York$251.63+$44.76
  7. Alaska · Alaska$255.30+$48.43

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

Every other payment area

70492 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
AlabamaAlabama$197.87—
ArkansasArkansas$195.08—
ArizonaArizona$214.22—
Bakersfield, CACalifornia$235.19—
Chico, CACalifornia$234.84—
El Centro, CACalifornia$234.85—
Fresno, CACalifornia$234.84—
Hanford, CACalifornia$234.84—

70492 rates by state

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

MEWIVTNHMTNDMNMINYMARIWAIDWYSDIAILINOHPANJCTORNVUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDECAAZNMKSOKARTNNCSCDCTXLAMSALGAFLAKHI

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.

$195.08

$265.61

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

View every state and territory as a table
70492 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$255.301
AL$197.871
AR$195.081
AZ$214.221
CA$234.84–$296.3729
CO$230.151
CT$234.141
DC$252.141
DE$217.741
FL$214.26–$231.603
GA$202.74–$223.232
GU$240.791
HI$240.791
IA$203.851
ID$204.921
IL$207.42–$227.144
IN$206.111
KS$202.411
KY$201.331
LA$200.82–$210.582
MA$228.62–$253.332
MD$222.00–$252.143
ME$205.42–$217.072
MI$205.97–$216.342
MN$222.171
MO$197.11–$211.933
MS$196.161
MT$219.771
NC$207.611
ND$217.791
NE$205.101
NH$226.071
NJ$237.27–$249.522
NM$206.871
NV$219.381
NY$210.60–$256.955
OH$205.571
OK$201.521
OR$218.13–$237.932
PA$206.17–$228.082
PR$221.531
RI$225.821
SC$206.841
SD$217.561
TN$203.341
TX$204.81–$229.008
UT$209.621
VA$216.01–$252.142
VI$221.531
VT$216.491
WA$228.34–$258.962
WI$210.591
WV$199.781
WY$218.911

See 70492 in every payment locality

How the 70492 rate is calculated

Each of 70492’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 · 70492

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work1.58

1.58 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense4.90

4.90 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.10

0.10 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

6.5800

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$219.78

Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.

The exact New Mexico inputs and CMS source lines

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

7,820

Code
70492
Physician work
1.58
Practice expense
4.90
Malpractice
0.10

GPCI2026.csv

77

Locality
New Mexico
Physician work
1.000
Practice expense
0.917
Malpractice
1.201
Office calculation for 70492 in New Mexico
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work1.58× 1.0001.5800
Practice expense4.90× 0.9174.4933
Malpractice0.10× 1.2010.1201
Total RVUs6.1934
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, New Mexico$206.87

Office: (1.58 × 1 + 4.9 × 0.917 + 0.1 × 1.201) × $33.4009 = $206.87

Open 70492 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 70492

The CMS indicators that decide how 70492 is paid alongside other services.

CMS payment indicators · 70492

CT neck, without and with contrast

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

70492 without 26 · national office

$219.78

CT neck, without and with contrast

70492-26 · Professional component

$73.82

Pays only the interpretation and report.

When to use modifier 26

Codes related to 70492

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

Codes related to 70492
CodeHow it relatesOffice range, New Mexico
Used instead
70490Neck CT, without contrastNeck CT without contrast when the examination is performed without contrast.$141.44
70491CT neck, with contrastNeck CT with contrast only, rather than both noncontrast and enhanced imaging.$172.75
70498Neck CTA, cervical arteriesCTA of the neck for evaluation of neck vessels rather than routine soft-tissue imaging.No office rate

How 70492 has changed in New Mexico

70492 · Office / nonfacility

$206.87

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $3.91 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $202.96 to $206.87 (1.9%).

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

    $202.96changed to$206.87

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 1.62 changed to 1.58
    • Practice expense RVU 5.01 changed to 4.90
    • Malpractice RVU 0.09 changed to 0.10
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.908 changed to 0.917
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.172 changed to 1.201

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $211.37changed to$202.96

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 5.08 changed to 5.01
    • Malpractice RVU 0.10 changed to 0.09

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $207.92changed to$211.37

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $217.19changed to$207.92

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 5.18 changed to 5.08
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.902 changed to 0.908
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.169 changed to 1.172

  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $221.43changed to$217.19

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 5.19 changed to 5.18
    • Malpractice RVU 0.11 changed to 0.10
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.896 changed to 0.902
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.166 changed to 1.169

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $228.48changed to$221.43

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 5.37 changed to 5.19
    • Malpractice RVU 0.10 changed to 0.11

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $232.24changed to$228.48

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 5.17 changed to 5.37
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.908 changed to 0.896
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.207 changed to 1.166

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    $234.15changed to$232.24

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 5.16 changed to 5.17
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.921 changed to 0.908
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.247 changed to 1.207

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $235.55changed to$234.15

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Practice expense RVU 5.21 changed to 5.16

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $263.94changed to$235.55

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Work RVU 1.45 changed to 1.62
    • Practice expense RVU 6.30 changed to 5.21
    • Malpractice RVU 0.09 changed to 0.10
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.920 changed to 0.921
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.204 changed to 1.247

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    $262.30changed to$263.94

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Practice expense RVU 6.28 changed to 6.30
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.919 changed to 0.920
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.161 changed to 1.204

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2016

    RVU16A

    $261.83changed to$262.30

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
    • Practice expense RVU 6.25 changed to 6.28
    • Malpractice RVU 0.08 changed to 0.09

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $260.53changed to$261.83

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $275.10changed to$260.53

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Practice expense RVU 6.68 changed to 6.25
    • Malpractice RVU 0.09 changed to 0.08
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.918 changed to 0.919
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.079 changed to 1.161

    Held through RVU15B.

  15. January 1, 2014

    RVU14A

    $301.71changed to$275.10

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Practice expense RVU 8.00 changed to 6.68
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.916 changed to 0.918
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.997 changed to 1.079

    Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.

  16. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: $301.71

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$206.87Not available in this settingRVU26D
2026-07-01$206.87Not available in this settingRVU26C
2026-04-01$206.87Not available in this settingRVU26B
2026-01-01$206.87Not available in this settingRVU26A
2025-10-01$202.96Not available in this settingRVU25D
2025-07-01$202.96Not available in this settingRVU25C
2025-04-01$202.96Not available in this settingRVU25B
2025-01-01$202.96Not available in this settingRVU25A
2024-10-01$211.37Not available in this settingRVU24D
2024-07-01$211.37Not available in this settingRVU24C
2024-04-01$211.37Not available in this settingRVU24B
2024-03-09$211.37Not available in this settingRVU24AR
2024-01-01$207.92Not available in this settingRVU24A
2023-10-01$217.19Not available in this settingRVU23D
2023-07-01$217.19Not available in this settingRVU23C
2023-04-01$217.19Not available in this settingRVU23B
2023-01-01$217.19Not available in this settingRVU23A
2022-10-01$221.43Not available in this settingRVU22D
2022-07-01$221.43Not available in this settingRVU22C
2022-04-01$221.43Not available in this settingRVU22B
2022-01-01$221.43Not available in this settingRVU22A
2021-10-01$228.48Not available in this settingRVU21D
2021-07-01$228.48Not available in this settingRVU21C
2021-04-01$228.48Not available in this settingRVU21B
2021-01-01$228.48Not available in this settingRVU21A
2020-10-01$232.24Not available in this settingRVU20D
2020-07-01$232.24Not available in this settingRVU20C
2020-04-01$232.24Not available in this settingRVU20B
2020-01-01$232.24Not available in this settingRVU20A
2019-10-01$234.15Not available in this settingRVU19D
2019-07-01$234.15Not available in this settingRVU19C
2019-04-01$234.15Not available in this settingRVU19B
2019-01-01$234.15Not available in this settingRVU19A
2018-10-01$235.55Not available in this settingRVU18D
2018-07-01$235.55Not available in this settingRVU18C
2018-04-01$235.55Not available in this settingRVU18B
2018-01-01$235.55Not available in this settingRVU18AR1
2017-10-01$263.94Not available in this settingRVU17D
2017-07-01$263.94Not available in this settingRVU17C
2017-04-01$263.94Not available in this settingRVU17B
2017-01-01$263.94Not available in this settingRVU17A
2016-10-01$262.30Not available in this settingRVU16D
2016-07-01$262.30Not available in this settingRVU16C
2016-04-01$262.30Not available in this settingRVU16B
2016-01-01$262.30Not available in this settingRVU16A
2015-10-01$261.83Not available in this settingRVU15D
2015-07-01$261.83Not available in this settingRVU15C
2015-04-01$260.53Not available in this settingRVU15B
2015-01-01$260.53Not available in this settingRVU15A
2014-10-01$275.10Not available in this settingRVU14D
2014-07-01$275.10Not available in this settingRVU14C
2014-04-01$275.10Not available in this settingRVU14B
2014-01-01$275.10Not available in this settingRVU14A
2013-10-01$301.71Not available in this settingRVU13D
2013-07-01$301.71Not available in this settingRVU13C
2013-04-01$301.71Not available in this settingRVU13B
2013-01-01$301.71Not available in this settingRVU13AR

Price 70492 for an earlier date of service

Where the New Mexico rate applies

New Mexico is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 528 cities and communities in New Mexico. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

  • Abeytas
  • Abiquiu
  • Acomita Lake
  • Adelino
  • Agua Fria
  • Alamillo
  • Alamo
  • Alamogordo

Browse all communities in New Mexico

70492 billing questions

When should this code be selected instead of a contrast-only neck CT?

Use this code when the neck CT includes image acquisition both before and after contrast. A study performed only with contrast is reported with 70491.

Can the interpretation and imaging service be billed separately?

Yes. Modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation and modifier TC identifies the technical service; billing without either modifier represents the global service.

How does the multiple imaging reduction affect component billing?

When multiple diagnostic imaging procedures are performed, the reduction applies to both the professional and technical components.

Should the precontrast and postcontrast image sets be reported as separate units?

No. The code represents the neck CT examination with both image sets, rather than a separate service for each set.

What documentation supports reporting this code?

The record should support the clinical reason for the neck examination and show that images were obtained both without and with contrast, along with the interpreting physician’s findings.

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 70492PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 7,820 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for New MexicoGPCI2026.csv, line 77 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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