CPT 70480
Global XXX ActiveCt orbit/ear/fossa w/o dye
CPT 70480 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 70480 (Ct orbit/ear/fossa w/o dye) is classified under Radiology with a global period indicator of XXX. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 1.25, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 3.4, and a malpractice RVU of 0.09, a total non-facility RVU of 4.74 and facility RVU of 4.74. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $163.7, though rates vary from $140.85 to $211.71 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 70480, ensure documentation supports medical necessity and the specific components required for the code's level of service. For E/M codes, document MDM (medical decision-making) elements: problems addressed, data reviewed, and risk. For procedural codes, document the indication, technique, and any complications. Always verify NCCI edits before bundling 70480 with related codes; this code has 10 PTP bundling relationships on file (see table below).
Payment Status & Global Period
Active code (paid under MPFS)
No global period (E/M and other non-procedural services)
MUE Limit (Medically Unlikely Edits)
Submitting more than 1 units of 70480 for the same patient on the same date triggers automatic line denial unless an appropriate modifier and supporting documentation justify the higher quantity.
RVU Breakdown, CPT 70480
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 1.25 | 1.25 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 3.4 | 3.4 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.09 | 0.09 |
| Total RVU | 4.74 | 4.74 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 70480
State-level averages across all MAC localities. Non-facility rates typically apply to office-based services; facility rates apply to hospital outpatient / inpatient.
| State | Non-Facility | Facility | Range (Non-Fac) | Localities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $179.25 | $179.25 | $168.54 - $211.71 | 29 |
| Florida | $161.55 | $161.55 | $154.84 - $167.57 | 3 |
| Georgia | $153.75 | $153.75 | $146.63 - $160.87 | 2 |
| Illinois | $157.37 | $157.37 | $150.13 - $164 | 4 |
| Michigan | $152.62 | $152.62 | $148.83 - $156.41 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $149.63 | $149.63 | $149.63 - $149.63 | 1 |
| New York | $174.51 | $174.51 | $151.75 - $185.03 | 5 |
| Ohio | $148.46 | $148.46 | $148.46 - $148.46 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $156.58 | $156.58 | $148.84 - $164.31 | 2 |
| Texas | $156.58 | $156.58 | $147.89 - $164.65 | 8 |
Source: CMS PFSRVU 2026 · Updated 2026-04-01. Full locality-level detail available for all 53 states, contact us for custom reports.
NCCI Bundling Edits, CPT 70480
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 70480 on the same date of service, review the modifier indicator and payer policy before submission.
| Partner Code | Relationship | Modifier Allowed | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01922 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Anesthesia service included in surgical procedure |
| 36591 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 36592 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 76350 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 76380 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 92002 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | 9 | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 92004 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | 9 | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 92012 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | 9 | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 92014 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | 9 | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 96523 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 70480
What does CPT code 70480 mean? +
CPT code 70480 represents: Ct orbit/ear/fossa w/o dye. It's in the Radiology category with a global period of XXX.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 70480? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 70480 is $163.7. Rates range from $140.85 to $211.71 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 70480? +
Radiology codes rely heavily on the professional/technical split: modifier 26 (professional component only) and TC (technical component only). Also common: 50 (bilateral imaging), 76 (repeat by same physician), 77 (repeat by different physician), and LT/RT for laterality.
What bundling edits apply to CPT 70480? +
This code has 10 NCCI PTP bundling relationships. See the NCCI Bundling section below for full list.
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on May 31, 2026.
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