What this is, in plain language
A detailed cross-sectional scan of your head, done without dye, to look for bleeding, stroke, tumors, or injury.
Why a clinician orders it
Head injury, sudden severe headache, stroke symptoms, or confusion.
Medical necessity — what insurers usually look at
Often covered without prior auth in emergencies. For non-emergency use, some plans require prior authorization through a radiology benefit manager.
New to this? Read what medical necessity means and how to appeal a denial.
Documentation to ask about
- ✓Symptoms and reason for the scan
- ✓Whether prior auth is required by your plan
- ✓In-network imaging facility
Questions for your provider
- ?Does my plan require prior authorization for this scan?
- ?Is the facility in-network?
Why this code is in our seed set
Highest-volume head CT code; in the CMS Top 200 Ranked by Services.
Validated against
- •CMS Top 200 Level I CPT Codes Ranked by Services
- •ACR Appropriateness Criteria
- •AMA CPT code 70450 descriptor
Terms you'll see
Prior AuthorizationRead more →
Some services may need plan approval before they are performed.
Medical NecessityRead more →
The insurer is reviewing whether the service is clinically appropriate for your situation.
Important: AuraCode is an educational tool. It does not provide medical, legal, or insurance advice, claims decisions, or approval guarantees. Final coverage depends on your specific plan, eligibility, diagnosis, submitted documentation, and your insurer's review.