CPT code 71271: Lung screening CT, low-dose, without contrast2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in North Dakota
Low-dose CT of the chest screens eligible asymptomatic patients for lung cancer and is reported when the study is performed under a screening indication.
In North Dakota, Medicare pays $134.69 for 71271 in the office.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 71271 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 71271 covers
Code 71271 represents a low-dose, noncontrast CT acquisition of the chest performed to screen for lung cancer, rather than to investigate symptoms or a known abnormality. A CT technologist typically performs the scan in an outpatient imaging department or imaging center, and a radiologist reviews the images for pulmonary nodules and other suspicious findings. The service is used for screening in eligible patients without lung cancer symptoms; a nodule already under diagnostic evaluation or a new respiratory complaint calls for diagnostic imaging selection instead.
Report 71271 for the screening study and retain documentation identifying its screening purpose and low-dose, noncontrast protocol; the radiology report supports the interpretation. A radiology group may bill the professional interpretation with modifier 26, the imaging facility may bill the equipment and staff with modifier TC, and a supplier furnishing the complete service bills globally without either modifier. CMS applies the diagnostic-imaging multiple-procedure reduction to both the technical and professional components when applicable.
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 North Dakota compares for 71271
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 71271 runs from $121.09 in Arkansas to $182.45 in San Benito County, CA. North Dakota pays $134.69. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- North Dakota · this page$134.69
- Los Angeles, CA · California$154.85+$20.16
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$156.01+$21.32
- Miami, FL · Florida$144.40+$9.71
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$140.47+$5.78
- Manhattan, NY · New York$156.05+$21.36
- Alaska · Alaska$159.02+$24.33
Other areas in North Dakota first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $122.80 | — |
| ArkansasArkansas | $121.09 | — |
| ArizonaArizona | $132.84 | — |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $145.36 | — |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $145.09 | — |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $145.10 | — |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $145.09 | — |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $145.09 | — |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $145.09 | — |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $145.09 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $145.09 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $168.50 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $154.18 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $145.09 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $145.09 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $145.97 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $152.36 | — |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $151.79 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $155.42 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $178.56 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $178.47 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $182.45 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $182.07 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $149.33 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $156.96 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $152.37 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $158.55 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $145.09 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $168.37 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $145.09 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $145.09 | — |
| ColoradoColorado | $142.42 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $145.13 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $135.00 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $139.72 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $133.28 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $138.49 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $126.15 | — |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $148.65 | — |
| IowaIowa | $126.29 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $126.98 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $131.10 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $129.21 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $141.24 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $127.71 | — |
| KansasKansas | $125.49 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $125.11 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $130.83 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $124.83 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $156.53 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $141.52 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $144.66 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $137.59 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $127.38 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $134.40 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $134.66 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $128.05 | — |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $137.25 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $130.20 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $131.55 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $122.61 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $121.88 | — |
| MontanaMontana | $136.27 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $128.71 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $127.03 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $139.98 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $154.43 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $147.00 | — |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $128.63 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $135.93 | — |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $159.43 | — |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $147.78 | — |
| Queens, NYNew York | $157.63 | — |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $130.56 | — |
| OhioOhio | $127.72 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $125.14 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $147.09 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $135.09 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $141.46 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $128.05 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $137.32 | — |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $139.91 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $128.39 | — |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $134.50 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $126.07 | — |
| Austin, TXTexas | $141.76 | — |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $127.22 | — |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $135.08 | — |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $135.82 | — |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $134.87 | — |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $135.41 | — |
| Houston, TXTexas | $136.87 | — |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $130.99 | — |
| UtahUtah | $130.09 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $133.82 | — |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $137.32 | — |
| VermontVermont | $133.97 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $141.32 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $159.91 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $130.29 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $124.52 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $135.58 | — |
71271 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.
$121.09
$163.77
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 | $159.02 | 1 |
| AL | $122.80 | 1 |
| AR | $121.09 | 1 |
| AZ | $132.84 | 1 |
| CA | $145.09–$182.45 | 29 |
| CO | $142.42 | 1 |
| CT | $145.13 | 1 |
| DC | $156.01 | 1 |
| DE | $135.00 | 1 |
| FL | $133.28–$144.40 | 3 |
| GA | $126.15–$138.49 | 2 |
| GU | $148.65 | 1 |
| HI | $148.65 | 1 |
| IA | $126.29 | 1 |
| ID | $126.98 | 1 |
| IL | $129.21–$141.24 | 4 |
| IN | $127.71 | 1 |
| KS | $125.49 | 1 |
| KY | $125.11 | 1 |
| LA | $124.83–$130.83 | 2 |
| MA | $141.52–$156.53 | 2 |
| MD | $137.59–$156.01 | 3 |
| ME | $127.38–$134.40 | 2 |
| MI | $128.05–$134.66 | 2 |
| MN | $137.25 | 1 |
| MO | $122.61–$131.55 | 3 |
| MS | $121.88 | 1 |
| MT | $136.27 | 1 |
| NC | $128.71 | 1 |
| ND | $134.69 | 1 |
| NE | $127.03 | 1 |
| NH | $139.98 | 1 |
| NJ | $147.00–$154.43 | 2 |
| NM | $128.63 | 1 |
| NV | $135.93 | 1 |
| NY | $130.56–$159.43 | 5 |
| OH | $127.72 | 1 |
| OK | $125.14 | 1 |
| OR | $135.09–$147.09 | 2 |
| PA | $128.05–$141.46 | 2 |
| PR | $137.32 | 1 |
| RI | $139.91 | 1 |
| SC | $128.39 | 1 |
| SD | $134.50 | 1 |
| TN | $126.07 | 1 |
| TX | $127.22–$141.76 | 8 |
| UT | $130.09 | 1 |
| VA | $133.82–$156.01 | 2 |
| VI | $137.32 | 1 |
| VT | $133.97 | 1 |
| WA | $141.32–$159.91 | 2 |
| WI | $130.29 | 1 |
| WV | $124.52 | 1 |
| WY | $135.58 | 1 |
How the 71271 rate is calculated
Each of 71271’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 · 71271
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work1.05
1.05 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense2.95
2.95 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.08
0.08 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
4.0800
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$136.28
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact North Dakota inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
7,919
- Code
- 71271
- Physician work
- 1.05
- Practice expense
- 2.95
- Malpractice
- 0.08
GPCI2026.csv
84
- Locality
- North Dakota
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 1.000
- Malpractice
- 0.406
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 1.05 | × 1.000 | 1.0500 |
| Practice expense | 2.95 | × 1.000 | 2.9500 |
| Malpractice | 0.08 | × 0.406 | 0.0325 |
| Total RVUs | 4.0325 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, North Dakota$134.69
Office: (1.05 × 1 + 2.95 × 1 + 0.08 × 0.406) × $33.4009 = $134.69
Payment rules and modifiers for 71271
The CMS indicators that decide how 71271 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 71271
Lung screening CT, low-dose, 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
71271 without 26 · national office
$136.28
Lung screening CT, low-dose, without contrast
71271-26 · Professional component
$49.43
Pays only the interpretation and report.
How 71271 has changed in North Dakota
71271 · Office / nonfacility
$134.69
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $0.25 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $134.44 to $134.69 (0.2%).
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
$134.44changed to$134.69
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 1.08 changed to 1.05
- Practice expense RVU 3.04 changed to 2.95
- Malpractice RVU 0.07 changed to 0.08
- Malpractice GPCI 0.517 changed to 0.406
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$139.52changed to$134.44
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 3.07 changed to 3.04
- Malpractice RVU 0.08 changed to 0.07
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$137.24changed to$139.52
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$143.45changed to$137.24
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 3.12 changed to 3.07
- Malpractice RVU 0.07 changed to 0.08
- Malpractice GPCI 0.474 changed to 0.517
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$145.89changed to$143.45
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 3.11 changed to 3.12
- Malpractice RVU 0.06 changed to 0.07
- Malpractice GPCI 0.431 changed to 0.474
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$149.55changed to$145.89
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 3.18 changed to 3.11
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
No ratechanged to$149.55
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
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, RVU18AR1, RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D, RVU19A, RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D, RVU20A, RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $134.69 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $134.69 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $134.69 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $134.69 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $134.44 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $134.44 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $134.44 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $134.44 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $139.52 | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $139.52 | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $139.52 | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $139.52 | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $137.24 | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $143.45 | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $143.45 | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $143.45 | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $143.45 | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $145.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $145.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $145.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $145.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $149.55 | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $149.55 | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $149.55 | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $149.55 | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | 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 North Dakota rate applies
North Dakota is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 406 cities and communities in North Dakota. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Abercrombie
- Adams
- Alamo
- Alexander
- Alice
- Almont
- Alsen
- Ambrose
71271 billing questions
When should 71271 be chosen over a diagnostic chest CT?
Use 71271 when the study is performed as low-dose lung cancer screening. A scan to evaluate symptoms, a known nodule, or another abnormal finding is diagnostic rather than screening.
How are the interpretation and scan acquisition billed?
Modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation, and modifier TC identifies the technical service, including equipment and staff. A supplier billing the complete service reports 71271 without either modifier.
Does the multiple-procedure reduction affect both components?
Yes. CMS applies the diagnostic-imaging multiple-procedure reduction to both the technical and professional components when applicable.
What documentation supports reporting 71271?
Document the screening indication and the low-dose, noncontrast chest CT protocol. The radiology report should support the interpretation billed.
Can 71271 be used to follow a previously identified lung nodule?
A study ordered to evaluate or monitor a known nodule is diagnostic imaging, not a screening examination. Select the diagnostic chest CT code that matches the study 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
Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
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