Payment Reduction for Computed Tomography (CT) Diagnostic Imaging Services

CMS is creating the modifier “CT” (Computed tomography services furnished using equipment that does not meet each of the attributes of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) XR-29-2013 standard). Beginning in 2016, claims for CT scans described by related CPT codes that are furnished on non-NEMA Standard XR-29-2013-compliant CT scans must include modifier “CT” that will result in the applicable payment reduction. Change Request (CR) 9250 informs providers that effective January 1, 2016, a payment reduction of 5 percent applies to CT services furnished using equipment that is inconsistent with the CT equipment standard and for which payment is made under the physician fee schedule. The payment reduction increases to 15 percent in 2017 and subsequent years.

Source: https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Transmittals/Downloads/R3402CP.pdf