Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes are standardized identifiers used by health systems for accurate billing and communication with insurance providers. CPT code 71250 specifically identifies a diagnostic imaging service: a Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the chest. Healthcare providers use this five-digit code to report the technical and professional components of the imaging study to payers, ensuring the service is correctly processed for reimbursement.
Defining CPT Code 71250
CPT code 71250 precisely describes a “Computed Tomography, thorax; without contrast material.” This means the code applies to a detailed sectional imaging study of the entire chest area, medically termed the thorax. The thorax includes the lungs, the heart, major blood vessels, the mediastinum (the central compartment of the chest), and bony structures like the ribs and spine.
The distinguishing element of the 71250 code is the inclusion of the phrase “without contrast material.” This signifies that no intravenous (IV) contrast dye is administered to the patient during the scan. Contrast agents are normally used to highlight blood vessels or certain soft tissues. However, the detailed structural images provided by a non-contrast scan are often sufficient for diagnosis. Avoiding contrast material also eliminates the minimal risk of an allergic reaction or potential kidney issues associated with the dye.
Clinical Indications for a Non-Contrast Chest CT
The decision to use CPT 71250 corresponds to specific clinical scenarios where the primary concern is a structural issue within the chest cavity, particularly in the lungs. This scan is often ordered to evaluate abnormal findings seen on a standard chest X-ray, providing a more detailed, three-dimensional view of the abnormality. A common application is the evaluation and follow-up of pulmonary nodules—small, often indeterminate spots in the lung tissue.
Healthcare providers also use this non-contrast method for lung cancer screening in high-risk individuals, such as long-term smokers, as part of a low-dose CT protocol. The scan is highly effective for detecting and characterizing various diffuse lung diseases, including pulmonary emphysema, bronchiectasis, or interstitial lung disease. In emergency settings, CPT 71250 is frequently used for trauma patients to quickly assess for conditions like a pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or fractures of the ribs and thoracic spine.
Preparing for the Procedure
Since CPT 71250 specifies a scan without contrast, the preparation required from the patient is minimal. Patients are generally permitted to eat and drink normally and continue taking any prescribed medications on their regular schedule. The main preparatory step involves removing any metallic objects from the chest area, such as jewelry, body piercings, or clothing with zippers and snaps, as metal can interfere with the X-ray beams and distort the final images.
During the procedure, the patient lies on a motorized table that slides into the center of the CT scanner. The technologist will position the patient, typically with their arms raised above their head, to ensure the chest is fully visible to the scanner. The scan itself is very fast, often taking only a few minutes, during which the patient will be asked to remain perfectly still and may be instructed to hold their breath for a few seconds to prevent motion blur in the images.