CPT 72193 is a CT of the pelvis with intravenous contrast. It is used for pelvic pain, suspected abscess, bladder and bowel problems and staging of some cancers. Most pelvic CTs are combined with an abdominal scan (74177); this code is for the pelvis alone.
What the price covers
The hospital's price is the technical fee for the scanner, technologist, contrast agent and room. The radiologist's reading is billed separately. Oral contrast, if used, may appear as an extra line.
Why prices vary
CT prices vary several times between hospitals in the same metro area, and hospital-owned outpatient imaging sites are usually cheaper than the main campus. If the scan is ordered in the emergency department, additional facility charges apply that are not part of this code.
Questions to ask
- Is this the self-pay price for 72193 including contrast?
- What is the radiologist's fee?
- Does my doctor need abdomen and pelvis together (74177), and what does that cost instead?