What documentation does Aetna require for CPT 74178?

Completed EviCore preauthorization request; Medical records requested for delegated clinical review

How much does Medicare pay for CPT 74178 in 2026?

In 2026, the national Medicare allowable for CPT 74178 is $338.02 in an office setting and $338.02 in a facility. Commercial allowables for Aetna are typically negotiated against this benchmark.

What if Aetna denies the PA for CPT 74178?

Appeal in writing within 60 days, citing the specific clinical policy criteria the case meets and attaching supporting documentation. Many denials are reversed on first-level appeal when the criteria language is mirrored.

Prior Authorization

Aetna Prior Authorization for CPT 74178

CT, MRI, and MR angiography of abdomen and/or pelvis with various contrast protocols including CT angiography combinations · Standard commercial plans

Prior authorization REQUIREDApplies to all statesLast verified May 9, 2026 · Reviewed by the D3rx Clinical Billing Team

Source

Aetna Participating Provider Precertification List 2026 (Updated May 1, 2026)

Not medical advice. PA policies change frequently. Always confirm against the payer's current policy before submitting. d3rx pulls directly from publicly published policy PDFs and refreshes daily.

Clinical criteria

Aetna lists this code under Special programs: Radiology imaging. The PDF states all members with plans that use this list need precertification, except inpatient facility, emergency room, or observation-bed status, and notes possible site-of-care requirements for MRI and CT scans in hospital outpatient settings. Evidence: PDF p.38, Special programs, Radiology imaging.

Documentation checklist

✓Completed EviCore preauthorization request
✓Medical records requested for delegated clinical review

Submission channels

Phone

1-888-622-7329

Fax

1-800-540-2406

2026 Medicare rate for CPT 74178

Office (non-facility)

$338.02

Facility

$338.02

Total RVUs (office)

10.12

Conversion factor

$33.4009

National Medicare Physician Fee Schedule amounts (GPCI 1.0). Aetna's commercial allowable is negotiated against this benchmark — see the full RVU and locality breakdown on the CPT 74178 code page.

How to submit the PA

1Verify the requirement against the current clinical policy linked above.
2Gather documentation: Completed EviCore preauthorization request, Medical records requested for delegated clinical review.
3Submit via phone or fax, or the payer portal.
4Document the reference number and follow up within 5 business days if no determination is received.

FAQ

Does Aetna require prior authorization for CPT 74178?: Yes. Aetna requires prior authorization for CPT 74178 (CT, MRI, and MR angiography of abdomen and/or pelvis with various contrast protocols including CT angiography combinations) under Standard commercial plans per its published clinical policy.
What documentation does Aetna require for CPT 74178?: Completed EviCore preauthorization request; Medical records requested for delegated clinical review
How much does Medicare pay for CPT 74178 in 2026?: In 2026, the national Medicare allowable for CPT 74178 is $338.02 in an office setting and $338.02 in a facility. Commercial allowables for Aetna are typically negotiated against this benchmark.
What if Aetna denies the PA for CPT 74178?: Appeal in writing within 60 days, citing the specific clinical policy criteria the case meets and attaching supporting documentation. Many denials are reversed on first-level appeal when the criteria language is mirrored.

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