CPT code 71046: Chest X-ray, two views2026 Medicare rate & RVUs

Medicare pays $33.07 for 71046 nationally in the office. Local office rates run $29.16–$44.75.

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

What 71046 covers

This study captures two distinct radiographic projections of the chest, classically a standing posteroanterior (PA) view and a left lateral view. It shows the lungs, heart, mediastinum, pleural spaces, diaphragm, and bony thorax. Common reasons for the study include suspected pneumonia, persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, heart failure follow-up, and suspected pleural effusion. Radiologic technologists acquire the images in hospital radiology departments, emergency departments, imaging centers, urgent care clinics, and physician offices. A radiologist or other qualified physician interprets the images and issues a written report.

Select 71046 by the number of distinct chest projections obtained, not their orientation; AP and lateral views also qualify. The image record and signed interpretation should support two views and document the findings. CMS prices this diagnostic test by component: modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation, and modifier TC identifies the equipment, staff, and supplies used to produce the images. Billing without either modifier represents the global service when the billing entity furnishes both components. For a hospital study, the interpreting physician typically bills with modifier 26, while the hospital bills for producing the images.

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 71046 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

71046 rates by state

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

How the 71046 rate is calculated

Each of 71046’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 71046

The CMS indicators that decide how 71046 is paid alongside other services.

What modifiers do to the payment

When to use modifier 26

71046 compared with similar codes

How to choose

71045Chest X-raySingle view

Report 71045 when only one chest projection is obtained, often a portable AP image; report 71046 when two distinct chest projections are documented.

71047Chest X-rayThree views

Use 71047 when a third distinct chest projection, such as an oblique or apical lordotic view, is obtained.

71048Chest X-rayFour or more views

Use 71048 when four or more distinct chest projections are obtained, such as PA, lateral, and bilateral oblique views.

71101Rib X-rayUnilateral with chest view

71101 covers unilateral rib imaging that includes a PA chest view. Choose it for a documented unilateral rib series rather than counting its chest image as a two-view chest study.

Codes related to 71046

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