CPT code 73010: Scapula X-ray, dedicated scapular examination2026 Medicare rate & RVUs

Medicare pays $25.05 for 73010 nationally in the office. Local office rates run $22.09–$33.63.

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

What 73010 covers

This code represents a dedicated X-ray study centered on the scapula, the shoulder blade. It is commonly ordered after trauma or for pain or suspected injury localized to the scapula, including evaluation for a fracture. A radiologic technologist obtains the images, and a radiologist or other qualified interpreting practitioner reviews them. The study may be performed in an imaging department, hospital, emergency department, or office setting.

Choose this service when the clinical question concerns the scapula itself, rather than a general evaluation of the shoulder joint or another nearby bone. The order and report should identify the scapular concern and support the dedicated examination performed. CMS allows the professional interpretation to be billed with modifier 26 and the equipment and staff portion with modifier TC; billing without either modifier represents the global service. When both scapulae are examined, CMS pays each side separately at 100%.

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 73010 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

73010 rates by state

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

How the 73010 rate is calculated

Each of 73010’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 73010

The CMS indicators that decide how 73010 is paid alongside other services.

What modifiers do to the payment

When to use modifier 26

73010 compared with similar codes

How to choose

73020Shoulder X-raySingle view

73020 is a limited shoulder-joint study. Choose 73010 when the examination is specifically directed at the scapula.

73030Shoulder X-rayComplete, minimum two views

73030 covers a broader shoulder examination, while 73010 targets the scapula. Select according to the anatomy and clinical question documented.

73000Clavicle X-rayAt least two views

73000 evaluates the clavicle; 73010 evaluates the shoulder blade. The documented target bone distinguishes the services.

Codes related to 73010

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