CPT 70490
Global XXX ActiveCt soft tissue neck w/o dye
CPT 70490 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 70490 (Ct soft tissue neck 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 3.15, and a malpractice RVU of 0.08, a total non-facility RVU of 4.48 and facility RVU of 4.48. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $154.7, though rates vary from $133.51 to $199.49 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 70490, 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 70490 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 70490 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 70490
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 1.25 | 1.25 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 3.15 | 3.15 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.08 | 0.08 |
| Total RVU | 4.48 | 4.48 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 70490
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 | $169.19 | $169.19 | $159.21 - $199.49 | 29 |
| Florida | $152.52 | $152.52 | $146.35 - $158.04 | 3 |
| Georgia | $145.39 | $145.39 | $138.79 - $151.98 | 2 |
| Illinois | $148.67 | $148.67 | $141.99 - $154.83 | 4 |
| Michigan | $144.31 | $144.31 | $140.83 - $147.79 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $141.62 | $141.62 | $141.62 - $141.62 | 1 |
| New York | $164.74 | $164.74 | $143.58 - $174.48 | 5 |
| Ohio | $140.5 | $140.5 | $140.5 - $140.5 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $148.04 | $148.04 | $140.86 - $155.22 | 2 |
| Texas | $148.05 | $148.05 | $139.98 - $155.52 | 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 70490
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 70490 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 |
| 78072 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 96523 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 99201 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | 9 | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 99202 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | 9 | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 99203 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | 9 | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 70490
What does CPT code 70490 mean? +
CPT code 70490 represents: Ct soft tissue neck w/o dye. It's in the Radiology category with a global period of XXX.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 70490? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 70490 is $154.7. Rates range from $133.51 to $199.49 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 70490? +
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 70490? +
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 June 2, 2026.
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