Ask Dr. Z

Head CT procedures are repeated on the same day due to motion artifact. First CT scan noted: "Tiny right parietal subarachnoid hemorrhage versus artifact related to slight motion and beam hardening from the calvarium." The second CT scan (one hour later) noted: "A 5 mm hyperdense focus in the right parietal region on the preceding head CT scan has resolved, and there is no motion artifact on the current study. That small hyperdense focus on the prior exam was an artifact related to slight patient motion." Can CPT code 70450 be charged twice with a modifier in this scenario? If yes, what modifier would be appropriate?