CPT code 70371: Speech imaging, complex dynamic evaluation2026 Medicare rate & RVUs

Medicare pays $111.22 for 70371 nationally in the office. Local office rates run $98.83–$149.78.

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

What 70371 covers

This study uses dynamic imaging with cine or video recording to assess pharyngeal movement during speech. It is commonly used when a speech-related concern requires visualization of structures such as the soft palate and pharynx during speech tasks. The examination is generally performed in a radiology setting, with imaging staff and a radiologist involved; a speech-language pathologist may help elicit and assess speech samples.

Report the study when the documented service is a complex, recorded dynamic pharyngeal evaluation for speech, rather than a routine throat imaging examination or a clinical speech assessment without imaging. Documentation should identify the speech-related concern, the dynamic imaging performed, and the interpretation. CMS separately prices the professional and technical portions: modifier 26 identifies interpretation, and modifier TC identifies equipment and staff. Reporting the code without either modifier represents the global service.

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 70371 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

70371 rates by state

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

How the 70371 rate is calculated

Each of 70371’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 70371

The CMS indicators that decide how 70371 is paid alongside other services.

What modifiers do to the payment

When to use modifier 26

70371 compared with similar codes

How to choose

70370Throat imagingPharynx or larynx

70370 is the throat radiographic examination. Choose 70371 when the service is a complex dynamic pharyngeal study recorded to evaluate speech.

74230Swallow studyRecorded fluoroscopic evaluation

74230 evaluates swallowing function by imaging; 70371 evaluates pharyngeal movement during speech.

92522Speech evaluationSpeech sound production

92522 is a clinical evaluation of speech-sound production without dynamic radiographic recording. 70371 is the imaging study.

Codes related to 70371

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