CPT code 70370: Throat imaging, pharynx or larynx2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Oregon
Reports radiographic and fluoroscopic imaging of the pharynx or larynx when the clinical question concerns these throat structures.
Medicare pays $99.55–$109.97 for 70370 in the office in Oregon, from Rest of Oregon to Portland, OR. Which amount applies depends on the service address.
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
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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 in Oregon
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Portland, OR | $109.97 | Unavailable |
| Rest of Oregon | $99.55 | Unavailable |
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.
How the rate is built · 70370
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work0.31
0.31 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense2.66
2.66 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.03
0.03 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
3.0000
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$100.20
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
Payment rules and modifiers for 70370
The CMS indicators that decide how 70370 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 70370
Throat imaging, pharynx or larynx
| 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 | 1 | Diagnostic test with separate professional (26) and technical (TC) components. |
What modifiers do to the payment
Modifier 26 · payment effect
With and without the modifier
70370 without 26 · national office
$100.20
Throat imaging, pharynx or larynx
70370-26 · Professional component
$15.36
Pays only the interpretation and report.
70370 compared with similar codes
Compare codes · National
4 codes, side by side
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.
70370 billing questions
When should 70370 be chosen over 70371?
Use 70370 for radiographic examination of the pharynx or larynx without the speech evaluation described by 70371. The documented service and clinical question should support the choice.
How does 70370 differ from a swallowing-function study?
70370 focuses on radiographic evaluation of the pharynx or larynx. A study specifically evaluating swallowing function with cine or video imaging may be reported with 74230 instead.
Which modifier identifies the interpretation?
Append modifier 26 when billing only the physician's professional interpretation. Modifier TC identifies the technical portion; billing without either modifier represents the global service.
What documentation supports reporting 70370?
Document the reason for the examination, the pharyngeal or laryngeal anatomy evaluated, the imaging performed, and the physician's interpretation.
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
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