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CPT code 73085: Contrast X-ray, elbow arthrography2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Iowa

Report elbow arthrography imaging when contrast is used to evaluate the joint and a physician provides radiographic supervision and interpretation.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality68 Medicare services in 2024

In Iowa, Medicare pays $88.83 for 73085 in the office.

$88.83Office (non-facility)
Not available in this settingHospital or facility
−7.7%vs the national office rate ($96.19)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 73085 nationwide

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

We’ll open 73085 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in Iowa
  2. What 73085 covers
  3. Compared with other areas
  4. Rate map
  5. How it’s calculated
  6. Payment rules
  7. Related codes
  8. Rate history
  9. Where it applies
  10. Billing questions
  11. Sources

What 73085 covers

Elbow arthrography uses contrast placed within the joint to outline its structures during radiographic imaging. Code 73085 represents the radiographic supervision and interpretation, commonly performed and documented by a radiologist; the contrast injection is a separate procedural service when performed. It may be ordered to assess suspected joint or capsular abnormalities when conventional elbow films do not provide the needed information.

Report the code for the elbow side examined and retain the imaging report, documented interpretation, and details identifying the side and arthrographic study. A claim without a component modifier represents the global service. Modifier 26 reports the professional interpretation, while modifier TC reports the technical work, equipment, and staff. For bilateral studies, each side is paid 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.

How Iowa compares for 73085

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 73085 runs from $84.67 in Arkansas to $131.62 in San Benito County, CA. Iowa pays $88.83. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

73085 in Iowa vs other payment areas
  1. Iowa · this page$88.83
  2. Los Angeles, CA · California$110.59+$21.76
  3. Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$111.04+$22.21
  4. Miami, FL · Florida$101.40+$12.57
  5. Chicago, IL · Illinois$98.43+$9.60
  6. Manhattan, NY · New York$110.61+$21.78
  7. Alaska · Alaska$109.46+$20.63

Other areas in Iowa first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.

Every other payment area

73085 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
AlabamaAlabama$85.97—
ArkansasArkansas$84.67—
ArizonaArizona$93.61—
Bakersfield, CACalifornia$103.42—
Chico, CACalifornia$103.28—
El Centro, CACalifornia$103.29—
Fresno, CACalifornia$103.28—
Hanford, CACalifornia$103.28—

73085 rates by state

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

MEWIVTNHMTNDMNMINYMARIWAIDWYSDIAILINOHPANJCTORNVUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDECAAZNMKSOKARTNNCSCDCTXLAMSALGAFLAKHI

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.

$84.67

$117.45

Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.

View every state and territory as a table
73085 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$109.461
AL$85.971
AR$84.671
AZ$93.611
CA$103.28–$131.6229
CO$101.051
CT$102.771
DC$111.041
DE$95.221
FL$93.47–$101.403
GA$88.12–$97.752
GU$106.201
HI$106.201
IA$88.831
ID$89.321
IL$90.23–$99.434
IN$89.881
KS$88.121
KY$87.521
LA$87.27–$91.822
MA$100.30–$111.742
MD$97.19–$111.043
ME$89.52–$95.012
MI$89.65–$94.412
MN$97.491
MO$85.51–$92.493
MS$85.121
MT$96.191
NC$90.541
ND$95.401
NE$89.421
NH$99.191
NJ$104.13–$109.752
NM$90.061
NV$96.051
NY$91.94–$113.065
OH$89.491
OK$87.641
OR$95.49–$104.702
PA$89.79–$99.932
PR$97.021
RI$98.931
SC$90.131
SD$95.311
TN$88.551
TX$89.16–$100.558
UT$91.431
VA$94.49–$111.042
VI$97.021
VT$94.761
WA$100.19–$114.352
WI$92.031
WV$86.661
WY$95.851

See 73085 in every payment locality

How the 73085 rate is calculated

Each of 73085’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 · 73085

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work0.53

0.53 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense2.31

2.31 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.04

0.04 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

2.8800

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$96.19

Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.

The exact Iowa inputs and CMS source lines

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

8,126

Code
73085
Physician work
0.53
Practice expense
2.31
Malpractice
0.04

GPCI2026.csv

53

Locality
Iowa
Physician work
1.000
Practice expense
0.915
Malpractice
0.397
Office calculation for 73085 in Iowa
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work0.53× 1.0000.5300
Practice expense2.31× 0.9152.1137
Malpractice0.04× 0.3970.0159
Total RVUs2.6595
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, Iowa$88.83

Office: (0.53 × 1 + 2.31 × 0.915 + 0.04 × 0.397) × $33.4009 = $88.83

Open 73085 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 73085

The CMS indicators that decide how 73085 is paid alongside other services.

CMS payment indicators · 73085

Contrast X-ray, elbow arthrography

RuleCMS valueWhat it means
Global periodXXXThe global surgery concept doesn’t apply.
Multiple procedures0No multiple-procedure reduction.
Bilateral (modifier 50)3Each side paid at 100% (no 150% cap).
Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS)0Not paid without supporting documentation.
Co-surgeons (62)0Not permitted.
Team surgery (66)0Not permitted.
Professional/technical1Diagnostic test with separate professional (26) and technical (TC) components.

What modifiers do to the payment

Modifier 26 · payment effect

With and without the modifier

73085 without 26 · national office

$96.19

Contrast X-ray, elbow arthrography

73085-26 · Professional component

$25.05

Pays only the interpretation and report.

When to use modifier 26

Codes related to 73085

Related codes aren’t interchangeable: bill the code that matches the service performed.

Codes related to 73085
CodeHow it relatesOffice range, Iowa
Often billed with
24220Arthrographic injection, elbow jointReports the elbow arthrography injection when performed; 73085 represents the radiographic service.$171.92
Used instead
73070Elbow X-ray, two viewsConventional elbow radiographs with two views, rather than contrast arthrography.$27.00
73080Elbow X-ray, three or more viewsConventional elbow radiographs with three or more views, rather than contrast arthrography.$30.39
Same family
73040Shoulder arthrography, contrast joint imagingShoulder arthrography imaging service; the body site differs.$123.98

How 73085 has changed in Iowa

73085 · Office / nonfacility

$88.83

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $1.08 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $87.75 to $88.83 (1.2%).

It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.

Base rate by release · bars start at $0 · select a bar to compare

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

  1. January 1, 2026

    RVU26A

    $87.75changed to$88.83

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 0.54 changed to 0.53
    • Practice expense RVU 2.36 changed to 2.31
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.913 changed to 0.915
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.457 changed to 0.397

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $92.13changed to$87.75

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 2.42 changed to 2.36

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $90.63changed to$92.13

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $104.47changed to$90.63

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 2.77 changed to 2.42
    • Malpractice RVU 0.05 changed to 0.04
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.910 changed to 0.913
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.441 changed to 0.457

  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $107.77changed to$104.47

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 2.81 changed to 2.77
    • Malpractice RVU 0.06 changed to 0.05
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.907 changed to 0.910
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.425 changed to 0.441

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $109.78changed to$107.77

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 2.85 changed to 2.81
    • Malpractice RVU 0.05 changed to 0.06

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $104.86changed to$109.78

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 2.58 changed to 2.85
    • Malpractice RVU 0.06 changed to 0.05
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.424 changed to 0.425

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    $98.67changed to$104.86

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 2.40 changed to 2.58
    • Malpractice RVU 0.05 changed to 0.06
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.423 changed to 0.424

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $89.42changed to$98.67

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Practice expense RVU 2.12 changed to 2.40

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $88.51changed to$89.42

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 2.11 changed to 2.12
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.902 changed to 0.907
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.458 changed to 0.423

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    $88.87changed to$88.51

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Practice expense RVU 2.14 changed to 2.11
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.896 changed to 0.902
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.493 changed to 0.458

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2016

    RVU16A

    $90.30changed to$88.87

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
    • Practice expense RVU 2.18 changed to 2.14
    • Malpractice RVU 0.04 changed to 0.05

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $89.85changed to$90.30

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $94.16changed to$89.85

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Practice expense RVU 2.32 changed to 2.18
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.892 changed to 0.896
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.475 changed to 0.493

    Held through RVU15B.

  15. January 1, 2014

    RVU14A

    $94.74changed to$94.16

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Practice expense RVU 2.51 changed to 2.32
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.887 changed to 0.892
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.456 changed to 0.475

    Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.

  16. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: $94.74

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$88.83Not available in this settingRVU26D
2026-07-01$88.83Not available in this settingRVU26C
2026-04-01$88.83Not available in this settingRVU26B
2026-01-01$88.83Not available in this settingRVU26A
2025-10-01$87.75Not available in this settingRVU25D
2025-07-01$87.75Not available in this settingRVU25C
2025-04-01$87.75Not available in this settingRVU25B
2025-01-01$87.75Not available in this settingRVU25A
2024-10-01$92.13Not available in this settingRVU24D
2024-07-01$92.13Not available in this settingRVU24C
2024-04-01$92.13Not available in this settingRVU24B
2024-03-09$92.13Not available in this settingRVU24AR
2024-01-01$90.63Not available in this settingRVU24A
2023-10-01$104.47Not available in this settingRVU23D
2023-07-01$104.47Not available in this settingRVU23C
2023-04-01$104.47Not available in this settingRVU23B
2023-01-01$104.47Not available in this settingRVU23A
2022-10-01$107.77Not available in this settingRVU22D
2022-07-01$107.77Not available in this settingRVU22C
2022-04-01$107.77Not available in this settingRVU22B
2022-01-01$107.77Not available in this settingRVU22A
2021-10-01$109.78Not available in this settingRVU21D
2021-07-01$109.78Not available in this settingRVU21C
2021-04-01$109.78Not available in this settingRVU21B
2021-01-01$109.78Not available in this settingRVU21A
2020-10-01$104.86Not available in this settingRVU20D
2020-07-01$104.86Not available in this settingRVU20C
2020-04-01$104.86Not available in this settingRVU20B
2020-01-01$104.86Not available in this settingRVU20A
2019-10-01$98.67Not available in this settingRVU19D
2019-07-01$98.67Not available in this settingRVU19C
2019-04-01$98.67Not available in this settingRVU19B
2019-01-01$98.67Not available in this settingRVU19A
2018-10-01$89.42Not available in this settingRVU18D
2018-07-01$89.42Not available in this settingRVU18C
2018-04-01$89.42Not available in this settingRVU18B
2018-01-01$89.42Not available in this settingRVU18AR1
2017-10-01$88.51Not available in this settingRVU17D
2017-07-01$88.51Not available in this settingRVU17C
2017-04-01$88.51Not available in this settingRVU17B
2017-01-01$88.51Not available in this settingRVU17A
2016-10-01$88.87Not available in this settingRVU16D
2016-07-01$88.87Not available in this settingRVU16C
2016-04-01$88.87Not available in this settingRVU16B
2016-01-01$88.87Not available in this settingRVU16A
2015-10-01$90.30Not available in this settingRVU15D
2015-07-01$90.30Not available in this settingRVU15C
2015-04-01$89.85Not available in this settingRVU15B
2015-01-01$89.85Not available in this settingRVU15A
2014-10-01$94.16Not available in this settingRVU14D
2014-07-01$94.16Not available in this settingRVU14C
2014-04-01$94.16Not available in this settingRVU14B
2014-01-01$94.16Not available in this settingRVU14A
2013-10-01$94.74Not available in this settingRVU13D
2013-07-01$94.74Not available in this settingRVU13C
2013-04-01$94.74Not available in this settingRVU13B
2013-01-01$94.74Not available in this settingRVU13AR

Price 73085 for an earlier date of service

Where the Iowa rate applies

Iowa is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 1026 cities and communities in Iowa. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

Browse all communities in Iowa

73085 billing questions

How does 73085 differ from 73070 or 73080?

73085 is for elbow arthrography using intra-articular contrast. Codes 73070 and 73080 are for conventional elbow radiographs, selected by the number of views.

Is the contrast injection included in 73085?

73085 represents the radiographic supervision and interpretation. The elbow arthrography injection may be reported separately with 24220 when that service is performed and documented.

When should modifier 26 or TC be used?

Use modifier 26 for the professional interpretation and modifier TC for the technical service. Billing without either modifier represents the global service.

How is bilateral elbow arthrography handled?

Each side is paid separately at 100% when both elbows are examined. Document the side for each study and follow the applicable claim-line reporting instructions.

What documentation supports 73085?

Keep the order or clinical indication, documentation identifying the elbow side and contrast study, and the radiologist's interpretation. The report should support that arthrographic imaging was performed rather than routine elbow films.

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
RVUs for 73085PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 8,126 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for IowaGPCI2026.csv, line 53 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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