CPT code 73030: Shoulder X-ray, complete, minimum two views2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Massachusetts
Complete plain-film radiographic exam of the shoulder with at least two views, reported for shoulder pain, trauma, suspected dislocation, arthritis, or postoperative follow-up.
Medicare pays $37.24–$41.55 for 73030 in the office in Massachusetts, from Rest of Massachusetts to Metropolitan Boston, MA. Which amount applies depends on the service address.
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
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On this page 9 sections
What 73030 covers
This study images the glenohumeral joint, proximal humerus, and surrounding structures using two or more projections. Typical series include AP views in internal and external rotation, an axillary view, a scapular Y view, or a Grashey true AP view. A radiologic technologist acquires the images, and a radiologist, orthopedic surgeon, or other treating physician interprets them. It is performed in orthopedic and primary care offices, urgent care centers, emergency departments, and hospital outpatient imaging departments. Common indications include fall injuries, suspected fracture or dislocation, rotator cuff arthropathy, calcific tendinitis, and post-reduction or post-arthroplasty checks.
Select this code when at least two views are obtained; a single shoulder view goes to 73020. The report should state the views taken, findings, and an impression. Modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation, and modifier TC identifies the equipment and staff portion. Billing without either modifier claims the global service when the billing entity furnishes both components. When both shoulders are imaged, CMS pays each side separately at 100%; report the right and left studies on separate lines with RT and LT.
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 73030 pays more and less in Massachusetts
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Boston, MA | $41.55 | Unavailable |
| Rest of Massachusetts | $37.24 | Unavailable |
How the 73030 rate is calculated
Each of 73030’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 · 73030
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work0.18
0.18 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense0.87
0.87 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.02
0.02 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
1.0700
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$35.74
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
Payment rules and modifiers for 73030
The CMS indicators that decide how 73030 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 73030
Shoulder X-ray, complete, minimum 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) | 3 | Each side paid at 100% (no 150% cap). |
| 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
73030 without 26 · national office
$35.74
Shoulder X-ray, complete, minimum two views
73030-26 · Professional component
$9.02
Pays only the interpretation and report.
73030 compared with similar codes
Compare codes · National
5 codes, side by side
How to choose
- 73020Shoulder X-raySingle view
- 73020 covers a single view only; 73030 requires two or more views. Count the projections documented in the report to choose.
- 73050AC joint X-rayBilateral joints
- 73050 is a bilateral AC joint study, often with weighted distraction, for AC separation; 73030 is a standard glenohumeral shoulder series reported per side.
- 73000Clavicle X-rayAt least two views
- 73000 targets the clavicle; 73030 targets the shoulder joint and proximal humerus. Code by the body part ordered and imaged.
- 73040Shoulder arthrographyContrast joint imaging
- 73040 is radiological supervision and interpretation of shoulder arthrography with contrast injection; 73030 is plain radiography without contrast.
73030 billing questions
How many views are required to report 73030 instead of 73020?
73030 requires at least two views of the shoulder. If only one projection is obtained, report 73020. Additional views beyond two do not increase the code or units.
How is a bilateral shoulder series reported?
CMS pays each shoulder separately at 100% when both are imaged. Report the right and left studies on separate lines with RT and LT.
When should modifier 26 or TC be used?
Use 26 when the physician provides only the interpretation, such as for images acquired by a hospital outpatient department. Use TC when the billing entity supplies the equipment and technologist but another entity interprets the study. Bill globally when the same entity furnishes both components.
Can 73030 be billed for acromioclavicular joint films?
Dedicated bilateral AC joint films, with or without weighted distraction, are reported with 73050 rather than 73030. If a routine shoulder series is also ordered and performed, document the separate studies and medical necessity for each.
Can the ordering orthopedist bill a shoulder X-ray with an office visit on the same day?
A separately medically necessary office visit may be reported with the shoulder study. The practice bills globally only if it furnishes both imaging and interpretation; routine review of the result during the visit is not a separately billable interpretation.
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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