CPT code 73090: Forearm X-ray, forearm, two views2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Massachusetts
A two-view radiographic study of the forearm evaluates the radius and ulna for suspected fracture, injury, pain, or other bone abnormality.
Medicare pays $30.23–$33.68 for 73090 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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What 73090 covers
This study uses X-rays to assess the radius and ulna, commonly after a fall or other injury, or for persistent forearm pain. Imaging is typically performed by a radiologic technologist in a hospital, emergency department, imaging center, or orthopedic clinic; a radiologist or other qualified practitioner interprets the images and reports the findings. The study focuses on the forearm rather than an isolated elbow, wrist, or upper-arm examination.
Report the code when the ordered and documented study consists of two forearm views. The record should support the clinical reason for imaging, the body site and side examined, the views obtained, and the interpretation. A claim without a component modifier represents the global service, including the imaging work and interpretation. Modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation, while modifier TC identifies the technical service, such as equipment and staff. For bilateral examinations, 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 73090 pays more and less in Massachusetts
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Boston, MA | $33.68 | Unavailable |
| Rest of Massachusetts | $30.23 | Unavailable |
How the 73090 rate is calculated
Each of 73090’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 · 73090
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work0.16
0.16 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense0.69
0.69 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.02
0.02 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
0.8700
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$29.06
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
Payment rules and modifiers for 73090
The CMS indicators that decide how 73090 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 73090
Forearm X-ray, forearm, 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
73090 without 26 · national office
$29.06
Forearm X-ray, forearm, two views
73090-26 · Professional component
$7.68
Pays only the interpretation and report.
73090 compared with similar codes
Compare codes · National
5 codes, side by side
How to choose
- 73070Elbow X-rayTwo views
- This code is for a two-view elbow examination. Use 73090 when the study is centered on the radius and ulna.
- 73080Elbow X-rayThree or more views
- This code is for an elbow study with three or more views. It is not a higher-view option for a forearm examination.
- 73060Humerus X-rayMinimum two views
- This code evaluates the humerus in the upper arm; 73090 evaluates the radius and ulna in the forearm.
- 73110Wrist X-rayComplete, minimum three views
- This code evaluates the wrist with three or more views. Use 73090 for a two-view study centered on the forearm.
73090 billing questions
When should this code be chosen instead of an elbow or wrist X-ray code?
Use it for a two-view study centered on the radius and ulna. Choose an elbow or wrist code when the ordered and documented examination is of that joint.
Can the interpretation and imaging service be billed separately?
Yes. Modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation, and modifier TC identifies the technical service. Without either modifier, the claim represents the global service.
How is a bilateral forearm study reported?
CMS pays each side separately at 100% when both forearms are examined. Document the side examined for each service.
What documentation supports reporting this study?
Document the clinical indication, the forearm and side examined, the views obtained, and the interpretation. The record should show that the study evaluates the forearm rather than only the elbow or wrist.
Should this code be used for a study with more than two views?
This code represents a two-view forearm study. Confirm that the documented examination and applicable code descriptor match the number and type of views 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
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