Reimbursement
$146.29
Threshold
N/A
2026 Status
Active
What is CPT Code 71250?
CPT 71250 is defined as: Computed tomography of the thorax (Chest CT) without the use of intravenous contrast material. This diagnostic imaging procedure provides detailed cross-sectional views of the lungs, heart, mediastinum, pleura, and chest wall. It is commonly used for evaluating pulmonary nodules, detecting interstitial lung disease, or assessing trauma when contrast is contraindicated or unnecessary for the clinical question.
This code is primarily used for Specialist services. It falls under the category of Radiology / Diagnostic Radiology and is valid for the 2026 calendar year according to the CMS Physician Fee Schedule.
2026 RVU Components
Relative Value Units (Non-Facility)
Work RVU
1.1
Physician Effort
PE (Non-Fac)
3.2
Practice Expense
Malpractice
0.08
Risk Factor
Total RVU
4.38
Note: [(Work RVU * Work GPCI) + (PE RVU * PE GPCI) + (MP RVU * MP GPCI)] * Conversion Factor
2026 CMS Policy Intelligence
efficiency adjustment
Subject to -2.5% Efficiency Adjustment. CMS has devalued the Work RVU based on the assumption that automated protocols and faster scanners have reduced physician interpretive time.
indirect pe cut
For hospital-based billing (POS 22), the indirect Practice Expense component is reduced by 50% relative to office-based settings in 2026.
conversion factor
Payment utilizes the 2026 Non-QP baseline of $33.40.
Administrative Framework
Place of Service
NCCI Exclusions
Key Modifiers
Operational Requirements
order requirement
Must have a written order from a physician or QHP stating the clinical indication and medical necessity for a non-contrast study.
supervision
Requires 'General Supervision' (physician must be available but not necessarily in the room).
technical standards
Images must be of diagnostic quality and archived in a permanent digital format (PACS).
report content
Final signed report must include clinical history, technique (including dose reduction protocols), findings, and a clear impression.
Compliance Checklist
Audit Defense
No specific audit defense elements defined.
2026 Update
Work RVUs reduced by mandatory 2.5% efficiency cut for non-time-based diagnostic imaging.
Common Clinical Scenarios
No clinical examples provided.
Target Specialties & Utilization
Typical Clinical Indications (ICD-10)
Frequently Asked Questions
Maximize Revenue with AI Confidence
Stop leaving earned revenue on the table. CPT Copilot (Coming Soon) automatically handles the complexity of 2026 CMS policies, identifying every opportunity while ensuring 100% compliance.