CPT Code 75571: Cardiac CT for Calcium Scoring, Without Contrast Material

Learn about CPT 75571, a non-contrast cardiac CT for coronary calcium scoring that assesses heart disease risk, plaque buildup, and aids clinical decisions.

Use Code

What is cardiac CT calcium scoring?

CPT Code 75571 refers to cardiac computed tomography (CT) performed without contrast material, used primarily for the quantitative evaluation of coronary artery calcium (CAC). This non-invasive imaging procedure helps assess a patient’s risk for coronary artery disease by detecting and scoring calcium deposits in the coronary arteries.

The calcium score reflects the extent of plaque buildup, which is a major risk factor for myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and other forms of heart disease.

Unlike coronary computed tomography angiography (which uses contrast), CPT code 75571 focuses solely on detecting calcified plaque in the native coronary artery, not soft plaques or blood flow. It is frequently used in patients with intermediate risk profiles or those with a family history of atherosclerotic heart disease.

This heart study may also be appropriate for patients with chronic atrial fibrillation, congenital heart disease, or as a screening tool post-coronary artery bypass graft or evaluation of the coronary artery of transplanted hearts.

This non-invasive test is used by the healthcare provider to:

Assess cardiac function and long-term risk of cardiovascular events
Evaluate for coronary artery disease in asymptomatic patients
Monitor progression of calcified plaque in patients with a history of unstable angina pectoris or myocardial infarction
Support treatment planning for patients with rheumatic aortic stenosis, atrial fibrillation, or suspected disease of native coronary arteries

While the calcium score cannot measure blood flow or soft plaque, it provides vital data that complements other studies like coronary CTA or fractional flow reserve.

Documentation requirements

For proper reimbursement and clinical accuracy, the following should be documented:

Clinical indication, such as risk assessment for atherosclerotic heart disease
Specific CT protocol without contrast
Coronary calcium scoring methodology
Radiologist's interpretation and total calcium score

Billing guidelines

To bill CPT code 75571, keep the following in mind:

Report CPT Code 75571 only once per scan
Use modifier -26 (professional component) or -TC (technical component) if billing separately
This is a primary procedure and should not be bundled unless clinically warranted
Not typically required or covered by Medicare unless used under certain screening protocols
Be prepared to justify use with ICD-10 codes reflecting cardiovascular risk factors, heart disease of native vessels, or unstable angina

Frequently asked questions

CPT Code 75571 is used for cardiac computed tomography (CT) performed without contrast material, primarily to detect and score coronary artery calcium. This test focuses on visualizing calcified plaque in the coronary arteries, helping assess a patient's risk for heart disease of native coronary arteries. Unlike a full cardiovascular function study, it does not evaluate LV cardiac function, aortic valve anatomy, or soft tissue details within the cardiac structure, but instead provides a quantitative assessment of calcification.

Reimbursement for CPT Code 75571 may vary and is not typically covered by Medicare unless specific screening protocols or risk factors are documented. To support billing, providers should ensure accurate coding information, include a clinical indication for the scan (e.g., family history of heart disease of native vessels), and clearly note the calcium scoring methodology in the radiology report. Accurate coding helps optimize the revenue cycle and avoid claim denials.

Yes, CPT Code 75571 can be useful for patients with a history of aortocoronary bypass graft, bundle branch block, or other cardiac conditions, especially when evaluating long-term risks of further plaque development. However, it is important to note that this code does not assess electrical conduction or blood flow but rather provides insight into the structural buildup of calcium. It complements other tests aimed at evaluating cardiac structure and function.