71271 Lung screening CT Medicare reimbursement rates in Washington

Code 71271 represents a low-dose, noncontrast CT acquisition of the chest performed to screen for lung cancer, rather than to investigate symptoms or a known abnormality. A CT technologist typically performs the scan in an outpatient imaging department or imaging center, and a radiologist reviews the images for pulmonary nodules and other suspicious findings. The service is used for screening in eligible patients without lung cancer symptoms; a nodule already under diagnostic evaluation or a new respiratory complaint calls for diagnostic imaging selection instead.

Report 71271 for the screening study and retain documentation identifying its screening purpose and low-dose, noncontrast protocol; the radiology report supports the interpretation. A radiology group may bill the professional interpretation with modifier 26, the imaging facility may bill the equipment and staff with modifier TC, and a supplier furnishing the complete service bills globally without either modifier. CMS applies the diagnostic-imaging multiple-procedure reduction to both the technical and professional components when applicable.