71250
CT chest, without contrast
Computed tomography of the thorax (chest) without contrast material. CMS 2026 global wRVU 1.08, total RVU approximately 3.57, Medicare global allowable approximately $119. Used for pulmonary nodule characterization, low-dose lung screening (when paired with appropriate G-codes), and chest pathology not requiring vascular contrast detail.
Billing guidance for 71250 is locked
- When to use it: the exact clinical situations that support billing 71250
- Documentation checklist: the 5 elements your note needs before submitting
- Common pitfalls: the 5 mistakes that get 71250 downcoded or denied
Payer notes
Medicare covers 71250 with appropriate indication. Lung cancer screening is a separate benefit under G0297 with strict eligibility (age 50 to 77, 20 pack-year history, current smoker or quit within 15 years, asymptomatic). Commercial payers vary on prior auth requirements; most reserve auth for outpatient chest CT without urgent indication. Some Medicare Advantage plans deny 71250 if an outpatient indication doesn't reach a documented threshold of suspicion.