Ct head/brain w/o dye

What is CPT Code 70450?

CT scan of the head or brain without contrast. The go-to imaging study for evaluating headache, head trauma, stroke, and altered mental status in emergency settings. Fast, widely available, and heavily utilized.

The Medicare reimbursement rate shown above is the amount the federal government has determined is a reasonable payment for this service. Hospitals and providers that participate in Medicare have agreed to accept these rates from Medicare patients.

Who typically bills this:Radiologist (interpretation) + hospital or imaging center (technical)

Common Billing Errors for CPT 70450

• !Billed at 70470 (with and without contrast) rate when only a non-contrast study was performed
• !Separate radiologist and facility charges without clear split billing disclosure
• !Billed alongside 70553 (brain MRI) on the same date without distinct medical indication for both

Red Flags on Your Bill

Negotiation Tips for CPT 70450

1. 1The Medicare rate for 70450 is roughly $60–$80 physician; full facility + professional is typically $200–$400
2. 2Hospital chargemaster prices of $2,000–$5,000 for a head CT are common — negotiate down to 2–3x Medicare
3. 3If you need a head CT and are not in an emergency, an outpatient imaging center typically charges $200–$500 total

Codes That Often Appear With This One

These CPT codes commonly appear on the same bill. Review each one to spot potential bundling errors or duplicate charges.

Found CPT 70450 on Your Bill?

If you see CPT code 70450 on a hospital or medical bill, compare the charged amount to the Medicare rate above. If your bill shows a significantly higher charge, you may have grounds to negotiate.

1. Note the amount charged for CPT 70450 on your itemized bill
2. Compare it to the Medicare rate above — calculate the markup
3. Call the billing department and use the Medicare rate as your anchor:“I see CPT code 70450 billed at [amount]. The Medicare rate for this procedure is $110.51. I'd like to discuss a fair adjustment.”