Reporting Computed Tomography of the Thorax (February 2021)

Why This Topic Matters

Thoracic CT coding is frequently affected by distinctions between screening and diagnostic services, contrast use, and related imaging guidance. This article helps readers understand the scope of the updated CPT content and the surrounding coding references that affect accurate radiology reporting.

Article Sections

1. Reporting Computed Tomography of the Thorax

   Overview of the February 2021 CPT article and the topic of thoracic CT reporting updates. Introduces the relationship between new and revised code content.

2. Chest

   Thoracic CT code references and general reporting context for chest imaging. Includes the article’s broad discussion of diagnostic and screening CT of the thorax.

3. Clinical Example (71250) / Description of Procedure (71250)

   A clinical scenario and procedural narrative associated with the thoracic CT code referenced in this section. Covers the type of imaging work typically described for that scenario.

4. Clinical Example (71260) / Description of Procedure (71260)

   A clinical scenario and procedural narrative associated with the contrast-enhanced thoracic CT code referenced in this section. Includes discussion of imaging workflow and related interpretation elements.

5. Clinical Example (71270) / Description of Procedure (71270)

   A clinical scenario and procedural narrative associated with the thoracic CT code involving pre- and post-contrast imaging. Presents the type of procedure detail used in the article.

6. Clinical Example (71271) / Description of Procedure (71271)

   A clinical scenario and procedural narrative associated with the low-dose lung cancer screening thoracic CT code. Includes screening-oriented imaging and reporting context.