CPT 74177: CT Abdomen and Pelvis With Contrast
CPT 74177 reports computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast material. It is a combined single-code study for abdominal pain, trauma, cancer staging, and infection. In 2026 Medicare pays about $300.27 for the global service, split into a professional (modifier 26) and technical (modifier TC) component.
- Code type
- CT, abdomen and pelvis, with contrast
- 2026 Medicare (global)
- $300.27
- Components
- Professional (26) + Technical (TC); PC/TC indicator 1
- Global period
- XXX (concept does not apply)
What is CPT 74177 used for?
CPT 74177 reports computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis, with contrast material, performed in a single session. It is one of the most-ordered CT studies in the emergency department and outpatient setting, covering abdominal pain, trauma, suspected appendicitis or diverticulitis, cancer staging, abscess, and unexplained infection. The contrast variants are 74176 (without contrast), 74177 (with contrast), and 74178 (without and with contrast).
The critical rule: 74177 is a combined code. It bundles the abdomen and the pelvis into one CPT. You do not report a separate abdomen CT and a separate pelvis CT for the same session.
How much does 74177 pay in 2026, and how does the 26/TC split work?
The 2026 national Medicare allowed amount for the global study is about $300.27. With a PC/TC indicator of 1, the global fee divides into a professional component and a much larger technical component, since the scanner and contrast handling drive most of the cost:
| Component | Modifier | Covers | Approx. 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional | 26 | Radiologist interpretation and report | ~$55 |
| Technical | TC | Scanner, contrast, technologist, overhead | ~$245 |
| Global | (none) | Both, same entity | ~$300.27 |
The components always sum to the global figure. Use the Medicare fee calculator for a locality-adjusted amount.
Combined coding and who bills each component
Example: a hospital performs a CT abdomen and pelvis with contrast on an ED patient. The hospital bills the technical resources through OPPS, and the interpreting radiologist bills 74177-26 for about $55. A freestanding imaging center that owns the scanner and staffs its own radiologists would instead bill the $300.27 global.
- Report one combined code (74177) for abdomen and pelvis — never split into separate organ codes.
- In a hospital place of service, the physician appends modifier 26; the facility captures the technical side.
- Verify the contrast variant (74176 / 74177 / 74178) matches the documented protocol.
How does 74177 fit the CT abdomen/pelvis family?
The combined abdomen-and-pelvis CT codes differ only by contrast protocol.
- 74176 — CT abdomen and pelvis without contrast.
- 74177 — CT abdomen and pelvis with contrast.
- 74178 — CT abdomen and pelvis without and with contrast.
The professional and technical split is identical across all three — see modifier 26 and modifier TC. Advanced CT frequently requires prior authorization under Medicare Advantage and commercial plans.
Frequently asked questions
The 2026 national Medicare allowed amount for the global CT abdomen and pelvis with contrast is about $300.27. The technical component (scanner, contrast handling, staff) makes up the large majority of that value, with a smaller professional component for the radiologist read. Medicare pays 80 percent after the deductible.
Append modifier 26 when a radiologist interprets a CT acquired at another facility. Append modifier TC when your imaging center owns the scanner and performs the study but an outside physician reads it. Bill 74177 global only when the same entity both acquires and interprets the CT — typical in a freestanding imaging center staffed by its own radiologists.
No. 74177 is a single combined code for CT of the abdomen AND pelvis with contrast in the same session. Reporting a separate abdomen CT (74160) plus a separate pelvis CT (72193) for the same encounter triggers NCCI edits and is considered unbundling. Use the one combined code, 74177.
Sources & further reading
Reviewed by the ImmediCare Solutions RCM team
Certified billers and coders handling claims across 50+ specialties nationwide. This entry is reviewed against current payer policy and CMS rules. Last review: Jul 5, 2026.
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