CPT code 70370: Throat imaging, pharynx or larynx2026 Medicare rate & RVUs

Medicare pays $100.20 for 70370 nationally in the office. Local office rates run $87.19–$140.15.

Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.

What 70370 covers

This examination uses x-ray imaging, with fluoroscopy and possibly magnification, to assess the pharynx or larynx. It may be used to evaluate a structural concern involving the throat; contrast may be used when needed to outline the anatomy. A radiologic technologist typically obtains the images in an imaging department, hospital, or other setting equipped for fluoroscopy, and a physician interprets the study.

Select this code when the documented examination targets the pharynx or larynx, rather than a general soft-tissue neck survey or a dedicated assessment of swallowing function. The record should identify the clinical indication, anatomy imaged, images obtained, and physician interpretation. CMS recognizes separate professional and technical portions: report modifier 26 for the interpretation, TC for the equipment and staff portion, or no modifier when billing the global service that includes both.

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.

Where 70370 pays more and less

The same RVUs, adjusted for each area’s costs. Open a locality for its calculation, history and nearby areas.

109 of 109 payment localities

70370 rates by state

Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.

How the 70370 rate is calculated

Each of 70370’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.

Payment rules and modifiers for 70370

The CMS indicators that decide how 70370 is paid alongside other services.

What modifiers do to the payment

When to use modifier 26

70370 compared with similar codes

How to choose

70371Speech imagingComplex dynamic evaluation

Both address pharyngeal or laryngeal imaging, but 70371 includes a speech evaluation. Use 70370 when that evaluation is not part of the documented service.

74230Swallow studyRecorded fluoroscopic evaluation

Choose 74230 when the examination evaluates swallowing function with cine or video imaging; 70370 targets radiographic evaluation of the pharynx or larynx.

70360Neck X-raySoft tissue

70360 is a soft-tissue neck examination. 70370 is appropriate when the imaging specifically evaluates the pharynx or larynx.

Codes related to 70370

Related codes aren’t interchangeable: bill the code that matches the service performed.

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

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates