CPT code 71046: Chest X-ray, two views2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Virgin Islands, VI
A two-view chest radiograph, usually frontal and lateral, is reported to evaluate symptoms or findings such as cough, dyspnea, chest pain, or suspected pneumonia.
In Virgin Islands, VI, Medicare pays $33.34 for 71046 in the office.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 71046 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 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.
How Virgin Islands, VI compares for 71046
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 71046 runs from $29.16 in Arkansas to $44.75 in San Benito County, CA. Virgin Islands, VI pays $33.34. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Virgin Islands, VI · this page$33.34
- Los Angeles, CA · California$37.78+$4.44
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$38.04+$4.70
- Miami, FL · Florida$35.13+$1.79
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$34.11+$0.77
- Manhattan, NY · New York$38.02+$4.68
- Alaska · Alaska$37.92+$4.58
Other areas in United States Virgin Islands first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $29.60 | — |
| ArkansasArkansas | $29.16 | — |
| ArizonaArizona | $32.18 | — |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $35.38 | — |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $35.31 | — |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $35.32 | — |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $35.31 | — |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $35.31 | — |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $35.31 | — |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $35.31 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $35.31 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $41.25 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $37.63 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $35.31 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $35.31 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $35.53 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $37.15 | — |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $37.01 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $37.95 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $43.78 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $43.76 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $44.75 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $44.66 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $36.40 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $38.36 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $37.17 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $38.76 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $35.31 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $41.22 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $35.31 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $35.31 | — |
| ColoradoColorado | $34.63 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $35.30 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $32.73 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $33.94 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $32.29 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $33.63 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $30.45 | — |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $36.26 | — |
| IowaIowa | $30.51 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $30.68 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $31.71 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $31.23 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $34.32 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $30.87 | — |
| KansasKansas | $30.30 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $30.19 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $31.66 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $30.12 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $38.21 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $34.39 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $35.19 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $33.39 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $30.78 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $32.59 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $32.64 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $30.94 | — |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $33.33 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $31.50 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $31.85 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $29.55 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $29.36 | — |
| MontanaMontana | $33.07 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $31.12 | — |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $32.67 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $30.70 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $34.02 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $37.62 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $35.75 | — |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $31.09 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $32.98 | — |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $38.89 | — |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $35.93 | — |
| Queens, NYNew York | $38.43 | — |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $31.60 | — |
| OhioOhio | $30.86 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $30.20 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $35.83 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $32.77 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $34.36 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $30.95 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $33.34 | — |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $33.97 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $31.04 | — |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $32.62 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $30.45 | — |
| Austin, TXTexas | $34.48 | — |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $30.73 | — |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $32.75 | — |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $32.93 | — |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $32.69 | — |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $32.83 | — |
| Houston, TXTexas | $33.20 | — |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $31.71 | — |
| UtahUtah | $31.48 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $32.44 | — |
| VermontVermont | $32.48 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $34.34 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $39.06 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $31.54 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $30.03 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $32.89 | — |
71046 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.
$29.16
$40.03
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 | $37.92 | 1 |
| AL | $29.60 | 1 |
| AR | $29.16 | 1 |
| AZ | $32.18 | 1 |
| CA | $35.31–$44.75 | 29 |
| CO | $34.63 | 1 |
| CT | $35.30 | 1 |
| DC | $38.04 | 1 |
| DE | $32.73 | 1 |
| FL | $32.29–$35.13 | 3 |
| GA | $30.45–$33.63 | 2 |
| GU | $36.26 | 1 |
| HI | $36.26 | 1 |
| IA | $30.51 | 1 |
| ID | $30.68 | 1 |
| IL | $31.23–$34.32 | 4 |
| IN | $30.87 | 1 |
| KS | $30.30 | 1 |
| KY | $30.19 | 1 |
| LA | $30.12–$31.66 | 2 |
| MA | $34.39–$38.21 | 2 |
| MD | $33.39–$38.04 | 3 |
| ME | $30.78–$32.59 | 2 |
| MI | $30.94–$32.64 | 2 |
| MN | $33.33 | 1 |
| MO | $29.55–$31.85 | 3 |
| MS | $29.36 | 1 |
| MT | $33.07 | 1 |
| NC | $31.12 | 1 |
| ND | $32.67 | 1 |
| NE | $30.70 | 1 |
| NH | $34.02 | 1 |
| NJ | $35.75–$37.62 | 2 |
| NM | $31.09 | 1 |
| NV | $32.98 | 1 |
| NY | $31.60–$38.89 | 5 |
| OH | $30.86 | 1 |
| OK | $30.20 | 1 |
| OR | $32.77–$35.83 | 2 |
| PA | $30.95–$34.36 | 2 |
| PR | $33.34 | 1 |
| RI | $33.97 | 1 |
| SC | $31.04 | 1 |
| SD | $32.62 | 1 |
| TN | $30.45 | 1 |
| TX | $30.73–$34.48 | 8 |
| UT | $31.48 | 1 |
| VA | $32.44–$38.04 | 2 |
| VI | $33.34 | 1 |
| VT | $32.48 | 1 |
| WA | $34.34–$39.06 | 2 |
| WI | $31.54 | 1 |
| WV | $30.03 | 1 |
| WY | $32.89 | 1 |
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.
How the rate is built · 71046
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work0.21
0.21 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense0.76
0.76 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.02
0.02 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
0.9900
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$33.07
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Virgin Islands, VI inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
7,883
- Code
- 71046
- Physician work
- 0.21
- Practice expense
- 0.76
- Malpractice
- 0.02
GPCI2026.csv
107
- Locality
- Virgin Islands, VI
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 1.011
- Malpractice
- 0.985
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 0.21 | × 1.000 | 0.2100 |
| Practice expense | 0.76 | × 1.011 | 0.7684 |
| Malpractice | 0.02 | × 0.985 | 0.0197 |
| Total RVUs | 0.9981 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Virgin Islands, VI$33.34
Office: (0.21 × 1 + 0.76 × 1.011 + 0.02 × 0.985) × $33.4009 = $33.34
Payment rules and modifiers for 71046
The CMS indicators that decide how 71046 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 71046
Chest X-ray, two views
| 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
71046 without 26 · national office
$33.07
Chest X-ray, two views
71046-26 · Professional component
$10.02
Pays only the interpretation and report.
How 71046 has changed in Virgin Islands, VI
71046 · Office / nonfacility
$33.34
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $0.51 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $32.83 to $33.34 (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
$32.83changed to$33.34
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 0.22 changed to 0.21
- Practice expense RVU 0.77 changed to 0.76
- Practice expense GPCI 1.007 changed to 1.011
- Malpractice GPCI 0.982 changed to 0.985
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$33.79changed to$32.83
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$33.24changed to$33.79
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$34.42changed to$33.24
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense GPCI 1.008 changed to 1.007
- Malpractice GPCI 0.984 changed to 0.982
October 1, 2023
RVU23D
$34.23changed to$34.42
- Practice expense GPCI 1.000 changed to 1.008
- Malpractice GPCI 1.000 changed to 0.984
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$34.81changed to$34.23
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 0.76 changed to 0.77
- Practice expense GPCI 1.008 changed to 1.000
- Malpractice GPCI 0.986 changed to 1.000
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$34.39changed to$34.81
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 0.74 changed to 0.76
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$33.39changed to$34.39
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 0.68 changed to 0.74
- Malpractice GPCI 0.988 changed to 0.986
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$32.23changed to$33.39
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 0.65 changed to 0.68
- Practice expense GPCI 1.007 changed to 1.008
- Malpractice GPCI 0.990 changed to 0.988
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$31.11changed to$32.23
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 0.62 changed to 0.65
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
No ratechanged to$31.11
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 | $33.34 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $33.34 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $33.34 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $33.34 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $32.83 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $32.83 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $32.83 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $32.83 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $33.79 | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $33.79 | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $33.79 | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $33.79 | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $33.24 | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $34.42 | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $34.23 | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $34.23 | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $34.23 | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $34.81 | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $34.81 | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $34.81 | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $34.81 | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $34.39 | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $34.39 | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $34.39 | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $34.39 | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $33.39 | Not available in this setting | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $33.39 | Not available in this setting | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $33.39 | Not available in this setting | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $33.39 | Not available in this setting | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $32.23 | Not available in this setting | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $32.23 | Not available in this setting | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $32.23 | Not available in this setting | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $32.23 | Not available in this setting | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $31.11 | Not available in this setting | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $31.11 | Not available in this setting | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $31.11 | Not available in this setting | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $31.11 | Not available in this setting | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13AR |
Where the Virgin Islands, VI rate applies
Virgin Islands, VI is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 10 cities and communities in United States Virgin Islands. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Charlotte Amalie
- Charlotte Amalie East
- Charlotte Amalie West
- Christiansted
- Coral Bay
- Cruz Bay
- Frederiksted
- Frederiksted Southeast
71046 billing questions
Does the code require PA and lateral views specifically?
No. Selection is based on two distinct chest projections; AP and lateral views also qualify.
What if the technologist repeats an image because the first was suboptimal?
A repeat exposure of the same projection for technical quality is not another view. Count distinct projections when choosing among 71045, 71046, 71047, and 71048.
When is modifier 26 appended?
Append modifier 26 when the physician bills only for interpreting the images, such as a radiologist reading a hospital study. Modifier TC identifies the technical component when it is billed separately under the physician fee schedule.
Can a treating physician bill an interpretation if a radiologist also reads the film?
Medicare generally pays for one medically necessary interpretation of a chest study. A separately billed interpretation requires a written report; a brief image review documented only in an E/M note is part of that visit.
Do dedicated rib or spine images count as chest views?
No. Dedicated rib, sternum, and thoracic spine images are not counted as additional views of a two-view chest study.
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
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