CPT code 51798: Bladder scan, post-void residual or bladder capacity2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Utah
A non-imaging ultrasound bladder scan measures post-void residual urine or assesses bladder capacity when a documented volume measurement is needed.
In Utah, Medicare pays $11.90 for 51798 in the office.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 51798 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 51798 covers
This service uses a non-imaging ultrasound scanner placed on the lower abdomen to estimate urine volume in the bladder. It is commonly performed just after a patient voids to measure post-void residual urine. A full-bladder measurement may be used when bladder capacity is being assessed; a pre-void reading alone does not establish capacity. Medical assistants, nurses, and technicians perform scans in urology, gynecology, primary care, and skilled nursing settings. Common reasons include suspected urinary retention, benign prostatic hyperplasia, incontinence, neurogenic bladder, and postoperative voiding complaints.
Report the scan when the record supports the clinical reason and documents the measured volume and whether the reading was obtained before or after voiding. CMS classifies 51798 as a technical-component-only code: its payment accounts for the scanning resources, while a separate code covers interpretation when separately reportable. Do not split 51798 with modifiers 26 or TC. An ultrasound examination that produces diagnostic images is a different service from this non-imaging volume measurement.
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 Utah compares for 51798
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 51798 runs from $10.67 in Arkansas to $17.70 in San Benito County, CA. Utah pays $11.90. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Utah · this page$11.90
- Los Angeles, CA · California$14.67+$2.77
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$14.91+$3.01
- Miami, FL · Florida$14.21+$2.31
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$13.62+$1.72
- Manhattan, NY · New York$15.03+$3.13
- Alaska · Alaska$13.17+$1.27
Other areas in Utah first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $10.90 | — |
| ArkansasArkansas | $10.67 | — |
| ArizonaArizona | $12.22 | — |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $13.59 | — |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $13.54 | — |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $13.54 | — |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $13.54 | — |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $13.54 | — |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $13.54 | — |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $13.54 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $13.54 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $16.19 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $14.63 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $13.54 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $13.54 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $13.75 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $14.34 | — |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $14.29 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $14.74 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $17.26 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $17.24 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $17.70 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $17.60 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $14.05 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $14.97 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $14.38 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $15.12 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $13.54 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $16.15 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $13.54 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $13.54 | — |
| ColoradoColorado | $13.32 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $13.76 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $12.48 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $13.39 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $12.50 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $13.02 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $11.52 | — |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $14.06 | — |
| IowaIowa | $11.27 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $11.38 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $12.41 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $12.02 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $13.53 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $11.47 | — |
| KansasKansas | $11.21 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $11.30 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $12.07 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $11.28 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $14.95 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $13.19 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $13.73 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $12.78 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $11.48 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $12.34 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $12.73 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $11.73 | — |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $12.57 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $11.94 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $12.12 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $11.02 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $10.85 | — |
| MontanaMontana | $12.69 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $11.65 | — |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $12.30 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $11.35 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $13.10 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $14.66 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $13.86 | — |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $11.83 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $12.59 | — |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $15.54 | — |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $13.97 | — |
| Queens, NYNew York | $15.18 | — |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $11.89 | — |
| OhioOhio | $11.65 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $11.26 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $13.86 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $12.45 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $13.31 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $11.67 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $12.81 | — |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $13.02 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $11.68 | — |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $12.25 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $11.29 | — |
| Austin, TXTexas | $13.31 | — |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $11.56 | — |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $12.44 | — |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $12.55 | — |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $12.44 | — |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $12.49 | — |
| Houston, TXTexas | $12.86 | — |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $12.01 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $12.29 | — |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $12.81 | — |
| VermontVermont | $12.24 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $13.17 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $15.30 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $11.73 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $11.41 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $12.52 | — |
51798 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.
$10.67
$15.62
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 | $13.17 | 1 |
| AL | $10.90 | 1 |
| AR | $10.67 | 1 |
| AZ | $12.22 | 1 |
| CA | $13.54–$17.70 | 29 |
| CO | $13.32 | 1 |
| CT | $13.76 | 1 |
| DC | $14.91 | 1 |
| DE | $12.48 | 1 |
| FL | $12.50–$14.21 | 3 |
| GA | $11.52–$13.02 | 2 |
| GU | $14.06 | 1 |
| HI | $14.06 | 1 |
| IA | $11.27 | 1 |
| ID | $11.38 | 1 |
| IL | $12.02–$13.62 | 4 |
| IN | $11.47 | 1 |
| KS | $11.21 | 1 |
| KY | $11.30 | 1 |
| LA | $11.28–$12.07 | 2 |
| MA | $13.19–$14.95 | 2 |
| MD | $12.78–$14.91 | 3 |
| ME | $11.48–$12.34 | 2 |
| MI | $11.73–$12.73 | 2 |
| MN | $12.57 | 1 |
| MO | $11.02–$12.12 | 3 |
| MS | $10.85 | 1 |
| MT | $12.69 | 1 |
| NC | $11.65 | 1 |
| ND | $12.30 | 1 |
| NE | $11.35 | 1 |
| NH | $13.10 | 1 |
| NJ | $13.86–$14.66 | 2 |
| NM | $11.83 | 1 |
| NV | $12.59 | 1 |
| NY | $11.89–$15.54 | 5 |
| OH | $11.65 | 1 |
| OK | $11.26 | 1 |
| OR | $12.45–$13.86 | 2 |
| PA | $11.67–$13.31 | 2 |
| PR | $12.81 | 1 |
| RI | $13.02 | 1 |
| SC | $11.68 | 1 |
| SD | $12.25 | 1 |
| TN | $11.29 | 1 |
| TX | $11.56–$13.31 | 8 |
| UT | $11.90 | 1 |
| VA | $12.29–$14.91 | 2 |
| VI | $12.81 | 1 |
| VT | $12.24 | 1 |
| WA | $13.17–$15.30 | 2 |
| WI | $11.73 | 1 |
| WV | $11.41 | 1 |
| WY | $12.52 | 1 |
How the 51798 rate is calculated
Each of 51798’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 · 51798
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work0.00
0.00 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense0.36
0.36 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.02
0.02 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
0.3800
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$12.69
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Utah inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
6,087
- Code
- 51798
- Physician work
- 0.00
- Practice expense
- 0.36
- Malpractice
- 0.02
GPCI2026.csv
104
- Locality
- Utah
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 0.940
- Malpractice
- 0.898
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 0.00 | × 1.000 | 0.0000 |
| Practice expense | 0.36 | × 0.940 | 0.3384 |
| Malpractice | 0.02 | × 0.898 | 0.0180 |
| Total RVUs | 0.3564 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Utah$11.90
Office: (0 × 1 + 0.36 × 0.94 + 0.02 × 0.898) × $33.4009 = $11.90
Payment rules and modifiers for 51798
The CMS indicators that decide how 51798 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 51798
Bladder scan, post-void residual or bladder capacity
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | XXX | The global surgery concept doesn’t apply. |
| 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) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Team surgery (66) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Professional/technical | 3 | Technical component only. |
How 51798 has changed in Utah
51798 · Office / nonfacility
$11.90
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $1.34 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $10.56 to $11.90 (12.7%).
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
$10.56changed to$11.90
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Practice expense RVU 0.33 changed to 0.36
- Practice expense GPCI 0.933 changed to 0.940
- Malpractice GPCI 0.930 changed to 0.898
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$10.56changed to$10.56
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Malpractice RVU 0.01 changed to 0.02
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$10.39changed to$10.56
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$10.02changed to$10.39
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 0.31 changed to 0.33
- Practice expense GPCI 0.926 changed to 0.933
- Malpractice GPCI 0.865 changed to 0.930
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$9.82changed to$10.02
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 0.30 changed to 0.31
- Practice expense GPCI 0.919 changed to 0.926
- Malpractice GPCI 0.799 changed to 0.865
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$9.58changed to$9.82
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 0.29 changed to 0.30
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$9.68changed to$9.58
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 0.28 changed to 0.29
- Practice expense GPCI 0.923 changed to 0.919
- Malpractice GPCI 0.982 changed to 0.799
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$12.11changed to$9.68
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 0.35 changed to 0.28
- Practice expense GPCI 0.927 changed to 0.923
- Malpractice GPCI 1.165 changed to 0.982
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$15.10changed to$12.11
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 0.44 changed to 0.35
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$18.43changed to$15.10
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense RVU 0.53 changed to 0.44
- Malpractice RVU 0.02 changed to 0.01
- Practice expense GPCI 0.925 changed to 0.927
- Malpractice GPCI 1.167 changed to 1.165
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$18.00changed to$18.43
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Practice expense RVU 0.52 changed to 0.53
- Practice expense GPCI 0.922 changed to 0.925
- Malpractice GPCI 1.169 changed to 1.167
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$17.65changed to$18.00
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
- Malpractice RVU 0.01 changed to 0.02
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$17.56changed to$17.65
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$17.53changed to$17.56
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense GPCI 0.919 changed to 0.922
- Malpractice GPCI 1.136 changed to 1.169
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
$18.14changed to$17.53
- Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
- Practice expense RVU 0.57 changed to 0.52
- Practice expense GPCI 0.916 changed to 0.919
- Malpractice GPCI 1.102 changed to 1.136
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: $18.14
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $11.90 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $11.90 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $11.90 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $11.90 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $10.56 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $10.56 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $10.56 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $10.56 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $10.56 | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $10.56 | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $10.56 | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $10.56 | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $10.39 | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $10.02 | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $10.02 | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $10.02 | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $10.02 | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $9.82 | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $9.82 | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $9.82 | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $9.82 | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $9.58 | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $9.58 | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $9.58 | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $9.58 | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $9.68 | Not available in this setting | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $9.68 | Not available in this setting | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $9.68 | Not available in this setting | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $9.68 | Not available in this setting | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $12.11 | Not available in this setting | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $12.11 | Not available in this setting | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $12.11 | Not available in this setting | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $12.11 | Not available in this setting | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $15.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $15.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $15.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $15.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $18.43 | Not available in this setting | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $18.43 | Not available in this setting | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $18.43 | Not available in this setting | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $18.43 | Not available in this setting | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $18.00 | Not available in this setting | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $18.00 | Not available in this setting | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $18.00 | Not available in this setting | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $18.00 | Not available in this setting | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $17.65 | Not available in this setting | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $17.65 | Not available in this setting | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $17.56 | Not available in this setting | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $17.56 | Not available in this setting | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $17.53 | Not available in this setting | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $17.53 | Not available in this setting | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $17.53 | Not available in this setting | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $17.53 | Not available in this setting | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | $18.14 | Not available in this setting | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | $18.14 | Not available in this setting | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | $18.14 | Not available in this setting | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | $18.14 | Not available in this setting | RVU13AR |
Where the Utah rate applies
Utah is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 334 cities and communities in Utah. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Alpine
- Alta
- Altamont
- Alton
- Amalga
- American Fork
- Aneth
- Annabella
51798 billing questions
Can this be billed when a diagnostic ultrasound examination produces images?
51798 describes a non-imaging volume measurement. When the service instead includes diagnostic images and an interpretation, select the appropriate imaging ultrasound code, such as 76857 for a limited pelvic examination.
Can modifier 26 or TC be appended?
No. CMS classifies 51798 as technical-component-only rather than a code split into professional and technical portions. A separate code covers interpretation when it is separately reportable.
Can a bladder scan be reported with an office visit on the same day?
A medically necessary E/M visit may be reported with a distinct, medically necessary bladder volume measurement when the record supports both services.
Can straight catheterization and a bladder scan both be billed for residual urine?
If catheterization alone is used to measure residual urine, do not also report a scan. A scan followed by separately necessary catheterization to drain retained urine may support reporting both documented services.
What documentation supports the bladder scan?
Record the measured volume, whether the reading was obtained before or after voiding, and the reason for testing, such as suspected retention or incomplete emptying.
How is a bladder scan reported with a uroflow study?
A patient may void into a uroflowmeter and then have a bladder scan for residual urine. Report both when each distinct measurement is medically necessary and documented.
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
Fee sheets
Put 51798 and the rest of your codes on one sheet
Your codes at your locality, with payer contracts beside Medicare.
Build my fee sheet