UB04 Revenue Code Code 0350: CT Scan

Overview

Revenue Code 0350 (CT Scan, General) is a specific billing code used on the UB-04 claim form to report computed tomography (CT) imaging services that are not further classified by a more specific subcategory. This code falls under the broader 035X series, which encompasses all CT scan services. The 035X series includes four distinct subcategories: 0350 for general CT scans, 0351 for head scans, 0352 for body scans, and 0359 for other CT scan services ^[1]. CT scan services are a diagnostic imaging modality that uses computer-processed X-rays to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body. The 0350 code should be used when the CT scan performed does not meet the specific criteria for head scan (0351) or body scan (0352) billing, or when the provider chooses to report a general CT scan service. Proper use of this code is essential for accurate reimbursement and compliance with payer requirements. The UB-04 claim form allows up to 22 revenue codes and associated charges per claim, and providers must bundle services appropriately to submit claims on a single form ^[2]. For inpatient claims exceeding 22 lines, electronic submission is required ^[2].

When to Use

Revenue Code 0350 should be used when a provider performs a CT scan that is not specifically classified as a head scan (0351) or body scan (0352), or when the provider chooses to bill under the general category for CT imaging services. This code is appropriate for CT scans of anatomical areas such as the extremities, spine (without specific body scan designation), or other non-cranial, non-trunk areas. Providers should use 0350 when the service does not clearly align with the more specific subcategories. For example, a CT scan of the cervical spine or lumbar spine may be billed under 0350 if the payer does not require specific body scan coding. The code is also used when the CT scan is performed as part of a general diagnostic workup without a specific anatomical region defined by the payer. It is important to consult payer-specific billing guidelines, as some payers may require more specific coding (e.g., 0351 for head scans or 0352 for body scans) for certain procedures. The 035X series is distinct from other imaging revenue codes, such as 040X (Other Imaging) which includes diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, screening mammography, and PET scans ^[1]. Providers should also ensure that CT scan services are not incorrectly billed under operating room services (036X), anesthesia (037X), or other non-imaging revenue codes ^[1]. When submitting claims to MassHealth, providers must follow the electronic claims submission policy unless they have received an approved waiver ^[2].

Step-by-Step Claim Example

Scenario: A hospital outpatient department performs a CT scan of the cervical spine for a Medicare patient. The procedure is performed in the radiology department and is not classified as a head scan or body scan by the payer.

Step 1: Identify the appropriate revenue code. Since the CT scan is of the cervical spine and not a head scan (0351) or body scan (0352), use revenue code 0350 (CT Scan, General).

Step 2: Complete patient and claim information. Enter the patient's name, date of birth, and insurance information in the required fields of the UB-04 form. Include the provider's National Provider Identifier (NPI) and tax identification number.

Step 3: Enter revenue code 0350 in the "Revenue Code" field (field 42). For line 1, enter 0350. For line 2, if additional services are provided on the same date, add subsequent revenue codes (e.g., 0250 for pharmacy, 0270 for medical/surgical supplies).

Step 4: Enter the associated charges. In the "Total Charges" field, enter the charge for the CT scan service. For example, if the CT scan charge is $850.00, enter 085000 in the charge field.

Step 5: Complete HCPCS/CPT coding. In the "HCPCS/CPT" field (field 44), enter the appropriate procedure code. For example, CPT code 72125 (CT, cervical spine; without contrast material) corresponds to this service.

Step 6: Verify service dates. Ensure the service date (field 45) matches the date of service. For a single-day encounter, use the same date for the "From" and "To" fields.

Step 7: Review for completeness. Check that all required fields are filled, including patient control number, medical record number, and total charges. Ensure the claim does not exceed 22 revenue code lines; if it does, submit electronically ^[2].

Step 8: Submit the claim. Submit the paper UB-04 claim to the payer if a waiver for electronic submission has been obtained; otherwise, submit electronically ^[2].

Common Mistakes & Audit Red Flags

One common mistake is using revenue code 0350 for CT scans that should be billed under more specific codes, such as 0351 (head scan) or 0352 (body scan). This can lead to claim denials or payment adjustments if the payer requires specificity. For example, billing a CT scan of the head under 0350 instead of 0351 may trigger a red flag during audit. Another frequent error is misclassifying CT scan services under other imaging revenue codes, such as 040X (Other Imaging), which includes ultrasound, mammography, and PET scans ^[1]. Using 0402 (ultrasound) for a CT scan would be incorrect and could result in claim rejection. Auditors also look for duplicate billing—submitting both 0350 and a more specific code (e.g., 0352) for the same procedure on the same date of service. Additionally, providers sometimes fail to link the revenue code with the correct HCPCS/CPT code. For instance, using 0350 with a CPT code for a head CT scan (e.g., 70450) may indicate a coding discrepancy. Another red flag is incomplete or missing documentation supporting the medical necessity of the CT scan. Payers may request clinical notes or physician orders to verify the service. Providers should also ensure that CT scan services are not billed under operating room services (036X) or anesthesia (037X) unless those services are separately performed and documented ^[1]. Finally, claims exceeding 22 revenue code lines must be submitted electronically; paper claims with more than 22 lines may be rejected ^[2].

Related Codes/Fields

Code/Field	Description	Source
034X	Nuclear Medicine Services (0340 General, 0341 Diagnostic, 0342 Therapeutic, 0343 Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, 0344 Therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals, 0349 Other)	[1]
0351	CT Scan, Head Scan	[1]
0352	CT Scan, Body Scan	[1]
0359	CT Scan, Other	[1]
040X	Other Imaging Services (0400 General, 0401 Diagnostic mammography, 0402 Ultrasound, 0403 Screening mammography, 0404 PET, 0409 Other)	[1]
048X	Cardiology Services (0480 General, 0481 Cardiac cath lab, 0482 Stress test, 0483 Echocardiology, 0489 Other)	[1]
Field 42	Revenue Code (location on UB-04 form where 0350 is entered)	[2]
Field 44	HCPCS/CPT Code (required procedure code linked to revenue code)	[2]

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References

[1] Noridian Revenue Codes — https://med.noridianmedicare.com/web/jea/topics/claim-submission/revenue-codes

[2] MassHealth UB-04 Guide — https://www.mass.gov/doc/ub-04-billing-guide-0/download