Billing code 70487: Facial CTMedicare rate & RVUs in Washington
Report this study for contrast-enhanced CT imaging of the facial bones and related maxillofacial structures when the examination uses postcontrast imaging only.
Medicare pays $157.33–$178.33 for 70487 in the office in Washington, from Rest Of Washington to Seattle (King Cnty). Which amount applies depends on the service address.
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 9 sections
What 70487 covers
This study uses computed tomography to evaluate the facial bones and maxillofacial structures, including the paranasal sinuses and jaw. Contrast-enhanced imaging can help characterize suspected facial infection or abscess, a mass, or other soft-tissue abnormality. A radiologic technologist performs the scan in a hospital or imaging center, and a radiologist typically interprets the images and issues a report.
Choose this code when the documented maxillofacial examination is performed with contrast only. Use the paired code for the same region when imaging is acquired both before and after contrast; a noncontrast-only examination is coded separately. The order, imaging protocol, contrast documentation, and radiology report should support the body region and acquisition performed. The service may be billed globally, or its interpretation and technical work may be billed separately with modifiers 26 and TC. The diagnostic imaging multiple procedure reduction applies to 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 70487 pays more and less in Washington
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Rest Of Washington | $157.33 | Unavailable |
| Seattle (King Cnty) | $178.33 | Unavailable |
How the 70487 rate is calculated
Each of 70487’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 · 70487
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Swap in your local Medicare rate.
Work 1.10Practice expense 3.35Malpractice 0.09
All indexes start at 1.000 (the national rate). Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
Payment rules and modifiers for 70487
The CMS indicators that decide how 70487 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 70487
Facial CT
| 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
70487 without 26 · national office
$151.64
Facial CT
70487-26 · Professional component
$52.11
Pays only the interpretation and report.
70487 compared with similar codes
Compare codes
70487 vs 70486 vs 70488 vs 70481: national Medicare rates
Swap in your local Medicare rate.
How to choose
- 70486Maxillofacial CT
- Both address the maxillofacial region. Choose 70487 for contrast-only imaging and 70486 when the examination is performed without contrast.
- 70488Maxillofacial CT
- 70488 includes imaging before and after contrast; 70487 is for the contrast-enhanced acquisition only.
- 70481CT imaging
- 70481 is focused on the orbit, ear, or middle cranial fossa. Choose 70487 when the documented examination covers the maxillofacial region instead.
70487 billing questions
How does 70487 differ from 70486?
70487 represents contrast-enhanced maxillofacial imaging only. Use 70486 when the examination is performed without contrast.
When should 70488 be reported instead?
Use 70488 when the maxillofacial study includes acquisitions both before and after contrast. Do not select it for a postcontrast-only examination.
Can the professional and technical services be billed separately?
Yes. Modifier 26 identifies the interpretation, and modifier TC identifies the equipment and staff service; billing without either modifier represents the global service.
Does the multiple procedure reduction affect both components?
Yes. CMS applies the diagnostic imaging multiple procedure reduction to both the professional and technical components.
What documentation supports 70487?
The order and radiology report should identify the maxillofacial region and support a contrast-only acquisition. The record should also document the contrast used and the clinical reason for the examination.
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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