CPT code 37253: IVUS, each additional noncoronary vessel2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in North Carolina
Reports intravascular ultrasound of each additional noncoronary vessel evaluated during a vascular procedure, after the initial vessel is coded.
In North Carolina, Medicare pays $158.69 for 37253 in the office and $58.66 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 37253 nationwide
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
On this page 11 sections
What 37253 covers
A vascular specialist advances an ultrasound catheter through the vessel to examine the lumen and wall from inside. Intravascular ultrasound can help assess plaque, narrowing, thrombus, or the result of an intervention in noncoronary vessels such as the aorta, iliac vessels, and peripheral arteries or veins. Vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, and other physicians performing endovascular procedures commonly use it in an angiography suite or operating room. The service includes image interpretation.
Report 37253 for each additional noncoronary vessel examined after the initial vessel, which is reported with 37252. Count vessels, not ultrasound passes, images, or separate findings within one vessel. The record should identify each vessel evaluated and support the physician’s interpretation and clinical use of the images. This is an add-on code: submit it with an eligible primary procedure, not by itself. Its payment is within that primary procedure’s global period; it does not establish a separate global period.
This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.
How North Carolina compares for 37253
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 37253 runs from $149.13 in Arkansas to $220.68 in San Benito County, CA. North Carolina pays $158.69. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- North Carolina · this page$158.69
- Los Angeles, CA · California$189.23+$30.54
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$193.47+$34.78
- Miami, FL · Florida$188.63+$29.94
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$182.68+$23.99
- Manhattan, NY · New York$196.55+$37.86
- Alaska · Alaska$196.24+$37.55
Other areas in North Carolina first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $151.42 | $57.61 |
| ArkansasArkansas | $149.13 | $57.03 |
| ArizonaArizona | $164.81 | $60.92 |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $177.81 | $60.30 |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $177.03 | $59.52 |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $177.08 | $59.57 |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $177.03 | $59.52 |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $177.03 | $59.52 |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $177.03 | $59.52 |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $177.03 | $59.52 |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $177.03 | $59.52 |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $204.13 | $62.82 |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $188.13 | $61.40 |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $177.03 | $59.52 |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $177.03 | $59.52 |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $180.05 | $62.54 |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $185.53 | $60.84 |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $184.84 | $60.58 |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $189.05 | $60.82 |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $215.62 | $64.44 |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $215.30 | $64.13 |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $220.68 | $66.07 |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $219.38 | $64.77 |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $181.92 | $59.80 |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $190.74 | $60.47 |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $185.50 | $60.48 |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $192.63 | $60.97 |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $177.03 | $59.52 |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $203.68 | $62.36 |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $177.03 | $59.52 |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $177.03 | $59.52 |
| ColoradoColorado | $175.46 | $61.38 |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $181.32 | $65.85 |
| DelawareDelaware | $167.60 | $61.67 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $178.71 | $70.10 |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $169.38 | $66.88 |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $173.51 | $64.58 |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $159.21 | $63.57 |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $181.30 | $59.39 |
| IowaIowa | $154.38 | $56.28 |
| IdahoIdaho | $155.66 | $57.02 |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $170.07 | $71.44 |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $165.06 | $67.17 |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $180.29 | $70.18 |
| IndianaIndiana | $156.58 | $57.19 |
| KansasKansas | $154.14 | $57.21 |
| KentuckyKentucky | $156.28 | $60.96 |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $164.25 | $63.36 |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $156.22 | $61.34 |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $192.60 | $64.58 |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $174.55 | $61.65 |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $180.93 | $65.89 |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $170.74 | $62.24 |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $157.06 | $58.42 |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $165.20 | $58.95 |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $172.12 | $68.65 |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $161.00 | $63.11 |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $166.39 | $56.06 |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $162.53 | $61.86 |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $164.24 | $62.17 |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $153.76 | $61.34 |
| MississippiMississippi | $151.45 | $59.14 |
| MontanaMontana | $169.66 | $62.44 |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $164.12 | $56.90 |
| NebraskaNebraska | $155.12 | $56.15 |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $173.16 | $61.55 |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $191.43 | $67.06 |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $182.90 | $65.82 |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $162.13 | $63.81 |
| NevadaNevada | $168.23 | $60.90 |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $202.15 | $74.67 |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $184.53 | $67.13 |
| Queens, NYNew York | $197.47 | $70.74 |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $161.22 | $59.36 |
| OhioOhio | $159.87 | $61.98 |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $155.44 | $59.70 |
| Portland, OROregon | $180.64 | $61.52 |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $166.44 | $59.66 |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $176.98 | $65.37 |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $159.85 | $61.42 |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $170.79 | $62.39 |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $173.30 | $62.55 |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $159.64 | $60.57 |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $163.47 | $56.25 |
| TennesseeTennessee | $155.01 | $57.55 |
| Austin, TXTexas | $175.29 | $61.86 |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $158.79 | $61.22 |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $166.97 | $60.72 |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $168.32 | $61.53 |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $167.30 | $61.59 |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $167.65 | $61.18 |
| Houston, TXTexas | $172.77 | $66.31 |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $162.98 | $61.23 |
| UtahUtah | $161.91 | $61.12 |
| VirginiaVirginia | $165.00 | $59.60 |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $170.79 | $62.39 |
| VermontVermont | $163.92 | $57.78 |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $174.07 | $61.17 |
| King County, WAWashington | $196.08 | $64.53 |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $158.44 | $55.72 |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $158.83 | $65.66 |
| WyomingWyoming | $167.24 | $60.03 |
37253 rates by state
Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.
Explore a state
Local rates. Clear comparisons.
Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.
$149.13
$198.86
Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.
View every state and territory as a table
| State / territory | Office rate range | Localities |
|---|---|---|
| AK | $196.24 | 1 |
| AL | $151.42 | 1 |
| AR | $149.13 | 1 |
| AZ | $164.81 | 1 |
| CA | $177.03–$220.68 | 29 |
| CO | $175.46 | 1 |
| CT | $181.32 | 1 |
| DC | $193.47 | 1 |
| DE | $167.60 | 1 |
| FL | $169.38–$188.63 | 3 |
| GA | $159.21–$173.51 | 2 |
| GU | $181.30 | 1 |
| HI | $181.30 | 1 |
| IA | $154.38 | 1 |
| ID | $155.66 | 1 |
| IL | $165.06–$182.68 | 4 |
| IN | $156.58 | 1 |
| KS | $154.14 | 1 |
| KY | $156.28 | 1 |
| LA | $156.22–$164.25 | 2 |
| MA | $174.55–$192.60 | 2 |
| MD | $170.74–$193.47 | 3 |
| ME | $157.06–$165.20 | 2 |
| MI | $161.00–$172.12 | 2 |
| MN | $166.39 | 1 |
| MO | $153.76–$164.24 | 3 |
| MS | $151.45 | 1 |
| MT | $169.66 | 1 |
| NC | $158.69 | 1 |
| ND | $164.12 | 1 |
| NE | $155.12 | 1 |
| NH | $173.16 | 1 |
| NJ | $182.90–$191.43 | 2 |
| NM | $162.13 | 1 |
| NV | $168.23 | 1 |
| NY | $161.22–$202.15 | 5 |
| OH | $159.87 | 1 |
| OK | $155.44 | 1 |
| OR | $166.44–$180.64 | 2 |
| PA | $159.85–$176.98 | 2 |
| PR | $170.79 | 1 |
| RI | $173.30 | 1 |
| SC | $159.64 | 1 |
| SD | $163.47 | 1 |
| TN | $155.01 | 1 |
| TX | $158.79–$175.29 | 8 |
| UT | $161.91 | 1 |
| VA | $165.00–$193.47 | 2 |
| VI | $170.79 | 1 |
| VT | $163.92 | 1 |
| WA | $174.07–$196.08 | 2 |
| WI | $158.44 | 1 |
| WV | $158.83 | 1 |
| WY | $167.24 | 1 |
How the 37253 rate is calculated
Each of 37253’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.
How the rate is built · 37253
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work1.40
1.40 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense3.40
3.40 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.28
0.28 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
5.0800
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$169.68
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact North Carolina inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
4,612
- Code
- 37253
- Physician work
- 1.40
- Practice expense
- 3.40
- Malpractice
- 0.28
GPCI2026.csv
83
- Locality
- North Carolina
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 0.933
- Malpractice
- 0.639
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 1.40 | × 1.000 | 1.4000 |
| Practice expense | 3.40 | × 0.933 | 3.1722 |
| Malpractice | 0.28 | × 0.639 | 0.1789 |
| Total RVUs | 4.7511 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, North Carolina$158.69
Office: (1.4 × 1 + 3.4 × 0.933 + 0.28 × 0.639) × $33.4009 = $158.69
Facility: (1.4 × 1 + 0.19 × 0.933 + 0.28 × 0.639) × $33.4009 = $58.66
Payment rules and modifiers for 37253
The CMS indicators that decide how 37253 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 37253
IVUS, each additional noncoronary vessel
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | ZZZ | Add-on code: falls within the primary procedure’s global period. |
| Multiple procedures | 0 | No multiple-procedure reduction. |
| Bilateral (modifier 50) | 0 | The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply. |
| Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS) | 0 | Not paid without supporting documentation. |
| Co-surgeons (62) | 1 | Permitted with supporting documentation. |
| Team surgery (66) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Professional/technical | 0 | Physician service: no professional/technical split. |
How 37253 has changed in North Carolina
37253 · Office / nonfacility
$158.69
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $5.45 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $153.24 to $158.69 (3.6%).
It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.
One bar per available release, ordered by effective date. Missing rates remain gaps. These comparisons hold the code, setting and locality identifiers constant; they do not isolate which policy or input caused a change.
What changed, release by release
January 1, 2026
RVU26A
$153.24changed to$158.69
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 1.44 changed to 1.40
- Practice expense RVU 3.36 changed to 3.40
- Practice expense GPCI 0.926 changed to 0.933
- Malpractice GPCI 0.665 changed to 0.639
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$159.02changed to$153.24
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 3.41 changed to 3.36
- Malpractice RVU 0.27 changed to 0.28
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$156.43changed to$159.02
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$162.77changed to$156.43
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 3.42 changed to 3.41
- Malpractice RVU 0.26 changed to 0.27
- Practice expense GPCI 0.927 changed to 0.926
- Malpractice GPCI 0.742 changed to 0.665
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$165.47changed to$162.77
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 3.38 changed to 3.42
- Malpractice RVU 0.25 changed to 0.26
- Practice expense GPCI 0.928 changed to 0.927
- Malpractice GPCI 0.819 changed to 0.742
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$176.15changed to$165.47
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 3.65 changed to 3.38
- Malpractice RVU 0.27 changed to 0.25
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$182.34changed to$176.15
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 3.64 changed to 3.65
- Malpractice RVU 0.30 changed to 0.27
- Practice expense GPCI 0.930 changed to 0.928
- Malpractice GPCI 0.757 changed to 0.819
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$188.84changed to$182.34
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 3.85 changed to 3.64
- Malpractice RVU 0.31 changed to 0.30
- Practice expense GPCI 0.931 changed to 0.930
- Malpractice GPCI 0.695 changed to 0.757
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$197.34changed to$188.84
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 4.11 changed to 3.85
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$197.67changed to$197.34
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Malpractice RVU 0.33 changed to 0.31
- Malpractice GPCI 0.732 changed to 0.695
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$207.81changed to$197.67
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Practice expense RVU 4.42 changed to 4.11
- Practice expense GPCI 0.930 changed to 0.931
- Malpractice GPCI 0.768 changed to 0.732
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
No ratechanged to$207.81
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: No rate
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D, RVU14A, RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D, RVU15A, RVU15B, RVU15C, RVU15D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $158.69 | $58.66 | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $158.69 | $58.66 | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $158.69 | $58.66 | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $158.69 | $58.66 | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $153.24 | $63.38 | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $153.24 | $63.38 | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $153.24 | $63.38 | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $153.24 | $63.38 | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $159.02 | $64.70 | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $159.02 | $64.70 | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $159.02 | $64.70 | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $159.02 | $64.70 | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $156.43 | $63.64 | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $162.77 | $66.64 | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $162.77 | $66.64 | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $162.77 | $66.64 | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $162.77 | $66.64 | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $165.47 | $68.48 | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $165.47 | $68.48 | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $165.47 | $68.48 | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $165.47 | $68.48 | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $176.15 | $69.62 | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $176.15 | $69.62 | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $176.15 | $69.62 | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $176.15 | $69.62 | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $182.34 | $72.58 | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $182.34 | $72.58 | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $182.34 | $72.58 | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $182.34 | $72.58 | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $188.84 | $72.41 | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $188.84 | $72.41 | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $188.84 | $72.41 | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $188.84 | $72.41 | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $197.34 | $72.67 | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $197.34 | $72.67 | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $197.34 | $72.67 | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $197.34 | $72.67 | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $197.67 | $73.71 | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $197.67 | $73.71 | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $197.67 | $73.71 | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $197.67 | $73.71 | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $207.81 | $73.62 | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $207.81 | $73.62 | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $207.81 | $73.62 | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $207.81 | $73.62 | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13AR |
Where the North Carolina rate applies
North Carolina is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 785 cities and communities in North Carolina. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Aberdeen
- Advance
- Ahoskie
- Alamance
- Albemarle
- Alexis
- Alliance
- Altamahaw
37253 billing questions
How does 37253 differ from 37252?
37252 represents intravascular ultrasound of the initial noncoronary vessel. Use 37253 for each additional noncoronary vessel evaluated.
Can 37253 be billed by itself?
No. It is an add-on code and must be reported with an eligible primary procedure; the initial-vessel IVUS code is 37252.
Are units based on ultrasound passes or vessels?
Units correspond to additional vessels, not repeated catheter passes or imaging runs in the same vessel.
What documentation supports an additional unit?
Document the additional vessel examined and the findings and interpretation for that vessel. The record should distinguish it from the initial vessel.
Is 37253 for coronary IVUS?
No. It applies to additional noncoronary vessels. Coronary intravascular ultrasound uses the coronary-specific code family, including 92979 for an additional vessel.
Where these rates come from
FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.
CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027
Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
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