CPT code 70540: MRI, orbit, face, or neck without contrast2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Utah
MRI of the orbit, face, or neck without contrast evaluates soft-tissue structures when the ordered study does not use contrast material.
In Utah, Medicare pays $213.51 for 70540 in the office.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 70540 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 70540 covers
This service is an MRI examination focused on the orbit, face, or neck, performed without contrast material. It may be ordered to evaluate soft-tissue concerns such as an orbital abnormality or a mass in the face or neck. A radiologic technologist performs the scan, and a physician, typically a radiologist, interprets the images. The exam may take place in a hospital, imaging center, or other setting with MRI equipment.
Report 70540 when the documented study covers the orbit, face, or neck and is performed without contrast. The order and imaging report should support the body region examined and the contrast protocol. The code represents the global service when billed without a component modifier; modifier 26 identifies the physician interpretation, while modifier TC identifies the technical service, including equipment and staff. CMS applies the diagnostic imaging multiple procedure reduction to both the technical and professional components when the rule is triggered.
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 70540
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 70540 runs from $197.99 in Arkansas to $306.30 in San Benito County, CA. Utah pays $213.51. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Utah · this page$213.51
- Los Angeles, CA · California$257.71+$44.20
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$258.74+$45.23
- Miami, FL · Florida$236.32+$22.81
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$229.54+$16.03
- Manhattan, NY · New York$257.77+$44.26
- Alaska · Alaska$256.68+$43.17
Other areas in Utah first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $200.98 | — |
| ArkansasArkansas | $197.99 | — |
| ArizonaArizona | $218.52 | — |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $241.14 | — |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $240.84 | — |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $240.85 | — |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $240.84 | — |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $240.84 | — |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $240.84 | — |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $240.84 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $240.84 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $282.15 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $256.83 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $240.84 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $240.84 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $241.83 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $253.56 | — |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $252.63 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $259.16 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $299.73 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $299.63 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $306.30 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $305.88 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $248.46 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $262.12 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $253.74 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $264.82 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $240.84 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $282.01 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $240.84 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $240.84 | — |
| ColoradoColorado | $235.68 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $239.62 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $222.24 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $229.19 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $218.16 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $228.03 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $205.88 | — |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $247.49 | — |
| IowaIowa | $207.57 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $208.68 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $213.31 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $210.72 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $231.87 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $209.96 | — |
| KansasKansas | $205.94 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $204.51 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $214.40 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $203.93 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $260.34 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $233.95 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $238.82 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $226.78 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $209.13 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $221.75 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $220.31 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $209.41 | — |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $227.48 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $213.57 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $215.95 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $199.90 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $199.02 | — |
| MontanaMontana | $224.45 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $211.49 | — |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $222.67 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $208.93 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $231.35 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $255.81 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $242.83 | — |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $210.34 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $224.13 | — |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $263.37 | — |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $243.92 | — |
| Queens, NYNew York | $260.88 | — |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $214.69 | — |
| OhioOhio | $209.05 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $204.81 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $244.08 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $222.85 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $233.10 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $209.75 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $226.36 | — |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $230.82 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $210.52 | — |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $222.46 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $206.92 | — |
| Austin, TXTexas | $234.49 | — |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $208.28 | — |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $222.55 | — |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $223.71 | — |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $221.98 | — |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $223.05 | — |
| Houston, TXTexas | $224.70 | — |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $215.12 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $220.56 | — |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $226.36 | — |
| VermontVermont | $221.20 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $233.71 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $266.37 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $214.92 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $202.52 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $223.67 | — |
70540 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.
$197.99
$273.57
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 | $256.68 | 1 |
| AL | $200.98 | 1 |
| AR | $197.99 | 1 |
| AZ | $218.52 | 1 |
| CA | $240.84–$306.30 | 29 |
| CO | $235.68 | 1 |
| CT | $239.62 | 1 |
| DC | $258.74 | 1 |
| DE | $222.24 | 1 |
| FL | $218.16–$236.32 | 3 |
| GA | $205.88–$228.03 | 2 |
| GU | $247.49 | 1 |
| HI | $247.49 | 1 |
| IA | $207.57 | 1 |
| ID | $208.68 | 1 |
| IL | $210.72–$231.87 | 4 |
| IN | $209.96 | 1 |
| KS | $205.94 | 1 |
| KY | $204.51 | 1 |
| LA | $203.93–$214.40 | 2 |
| MA | $233.95–$260.34 | 2 |
| MD | $226.78–$258.74 | 3 |
| ME | $209.13–$221.75 | 2 |
| MI | $209.41–$220.31 | 2 |
| MN | $227.48 | 1 |
| MO | $199.90–$215.95 | 3 |
| MS | $199.02 | 1 |
| MT | $224.45 | 1 |
| NC | $211.49 | 1 |
| ND | $222.67 | 1 |
| NE | $208.93 | 1 |
| NH | $231.35 | 1 |
| NJ | $242.83–$255.81 | 2 |
| NM | $210.34 | 1 |
| NV | $224.13 | 1 |
| NY | $214.69–$263.37 | 5 |
| OH | $209.05 | 1 |
| OK | $204.81 | 1 |
| OR | $222.85–$244.08 | 2 |
| PA | $209.75–$233.10 | 2 |
| PR | $226.36 | 1 |
| RI | $230.82 | 1 |
| SC | $210.52 | 1 |
| SD | $222.46 | 1 |
| TN | $206.92 | 1 |
| TX | $208.28–$234.49 | 8 |
| UT | $213.51 | 1 |
| VA | $220.56–$258.74 | 2 |
| VI | $226.36 | 1 |
| VT | $221.20 | 1 |
| WA | $233.71–$266.37 | 2 |
| WI | $214.92 | 1 |
| WV | $202.52 | 1 |
| WY | $223.67 | 1 |
How the 70540 rate is calculated
Each of 70540’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 · 70540
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work1.32
1.32 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense5.31
5.31 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.09
0.09 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
6.7200
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$224.45
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
7,829
- Code
- 70540
- Physician work
- 1.32
- Practice expense
- 5.31
- Malpractice
- 0.09
GPCI2026.csv
104
- Locality
- Utah
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 0.940
- Malpractice
- 0.898
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 1.32 | × 1.000 | 1.3200 |
| Practice expense | 5.31 | × 0.940 | 4.9914 |
| Malpractice | 0.09 | × 0.898 | 0.0808 |
| Total RVUs | 6.3922 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Utah$213.51
Office: (1.32 × 1 + 5.31 × 0.94 + 0.09 × 0.898) × $33.4009 = $213.51
Payment rules and modifiers for 70540
The CMS indicators that decide how 70540 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 70540
MRI, orbit, face, or neck without contrast
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | XXX | The global surgery concept doesn’t apply. |
| Multiple procedures | 4 | Diagnostic imaging reduction applies to the technical component (and professional component) of additional services. |
| 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
70540 without 26 · national office
$224.45
MRI, orbit, face, or neck without contrast
70540-26 · Professional component
$61.79
Pays only the interpretation and report.
How 70540 has changed in Utah
70540 · Office / nonfacility
$213.51
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $3.26 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $210.25 to $213.51 (1.6%).
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
$210.25changed to$213.51
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 1.35 changed to 1.32
- Practice expense RVU 5.44 changed to 5.31
- Malpractice RVU 0.08 changed to 0.09
- 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
$219.78changed to$210.25
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 5.54 changed to 5.44
- Malpractice RVU 0.09 changed to 0.08
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$216.19changed to$219.78
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$225.37changed to$216.19
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 5.64 changed to 5.54
- Practice expense GPCI 0.926 changed to 0.933
- Malpractice GPCI 0.865 changed to 0.930
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$230.48changed to$225.37
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 5.70 changed to 5.64
- 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
$242.10changed to$230.48
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 6.02 changed to 5.70
- Malpractice RVU 0.07 changed to 0.09
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$248.42changed to$242.10
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 5.91 changed to 6.02
- Malpractice RVU 0.08 changed to 0.07
- 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
$254.22changed to$248.42
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 6.04 changed to 5.91
- Malpractice RVU 0.09 changed to 0.08
- 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
$260.61changed to$254.22
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 6.24 changed to 6.04
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
No ratechanged to$260.61
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: No rate
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D, RVU14A, RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D, RVU15A, RVU15B, RVU15C, RVU15D, RVU16A, RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D, RVU17A, RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $213.51 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $213.51 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $213.51 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $213.51 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $210.25 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $210.25 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $210.25 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $210.25 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $219.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $219.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $219.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $219.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $216.19 | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $225.37 | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $225.37 | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $225.37 | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $225.37 | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $230.48 | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $230.48 | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $230.48 | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $230.48 | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $242.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $242.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $242.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $242.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $248.42 | Not available in this setting | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $248.42 | Not available in this setting | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $248.42 | Not available in this setting | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $248.42 | Not available in this setting | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $254.22 | Not available in this setting | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $254.22 | Not available in this setting | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $254.22 | Not available in this setting | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $254.22 | Not available in this setting | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $260.61 | Not available in this setting | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $260.61 | Not available in this setting | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $260.61 | Not available in this setting | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $260.61 | Not available in this setting | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | Additional calculation required | 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
70540 billing questions
How does 70540 differ from 70542?
70540 is for the orbit, face, or neck MRI performed without contrast. Use 70542 when the study is performed with contrast.
When is 70543 reported instead?
70543 describes an orbit, face, or neck MRI performed both without and with contrast. Follow the documented imaging protocol rather than choosing based only on the clinical indication.
Can the interpretation and technical service be billed separately?
Yes. Modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation, and modifier TC identifies the technical service. Without either modifier, the claim represents the global service.
What documentation supports 70540?
The order and report should identify the orbit, face, or neck as the imaged region and show that the examination was performed without contrast.
How does the multiple procedure reduction affect 70540?
When the diagnostic imaging multiple procedure reduction applies, CMS applies it to the technical and professional components.
Should 70540 be used for a brain MRI?
No. Choose a brain MRI code when the imaged anatomy is the brain rather than the orbit, face, or neck; for example, 70551 is a brain MRI without contrast.
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 70540 and the rest of your codes on one sheet
Your codes at your locality, with payer contracts beside Medicare.
Build my fee sheet