CPT code 72170: Pelvis X-ray, one or two views2026 Medicare rate & RVUs

Medicare pays $28.06 for 72170 nationally in the office. Local office rates run $24.67–$37.97.

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

What 72170 covers

This limited plain-film study images the pelvis, typically with a single anteroposterior (AP) view; an inlet or outlet view may provide a second projection. It is obtained in emergency departments after falls or trauma, in orthopedic and primary care offices for pelvic or groin pain, and after hip arthroplasty to assess component position. A radiologic technologist acquires the images. A radiologist, or a treating physician in some office settings, provides the written interpretation.

Select 72170 for a dedicated pelvic study with one or two pelvis views; three or more pelvis views support 72190. Dedicated hip projections do not increase the pelvis view count. Documentation should identify the views obtained and include a signed report with findings and an impression. CMS recognizes a professional component for interpretation, billed with modifier 26, and a technical component for equipment and staff, billed with modifier TC. An entity providing both components bills the global service without either modifier. For a hospital study, the interpreting radiologist generally bills with modifier 26; the hospital bills for the imaging services it provides.

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 72170 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

72170 rates by state

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

How the 72170 rate is calculated

Each of 72170’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 72170

The CMS indicators that decide how 72170 is paid alongside other services.

What modifiers do to the payment

When to use modifier 26

72170 compared with similar codes

How to choose

72190Pelvis X-rayThree or more views

72190 requires at least three dedicated pelvis views, such as AP, inlet, and outlet views for pelvic ring trauma. One or two pelvis views support 72170.

73502Hip X-rayOne hip, 2-3 views

When the study targets one hip and includes dedicated hip views, use the hip code, which includes the pelvis when performed. Use 72170 for a dedicated pelvis study with one or two pelvis views.

73521Hip X-rayBilateral, two views

73521 covers a two-view bilateral hip study, with pelvis when performed. Do not add 72170 solely for a pelvis view included in that hip study.

72192Pelvic CTWithout contrast

72192 is cross-sectional CT imaging of the pelvis without contrast; 72170 is a conventional radiograph with one or two pelvis views.

Codes related to 72170

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