CPT code 73218: Extremity MRI, non-joint, without contrast2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Montana
Reports MRI of an upper-extremity region outside a joint, without contrast, to evaluate soft-tissue or bone abnormalities when MRI findings are needed.
In Montana, Medicare pays $303.27 for 73218 in the office.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 73218 nationwide
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
On this page 11 sections
What 73218 covers
This service is an MRI examination of an upper-extremity area that is not being imaged as a joint study, acquired without injected contrast. It can address concerns such as a soft-tissue mass, infection, or injury involving the arm, forearm, or non-joint-focused hand tissues. A radiologic technologist obtains images in a hospital or freestanding imaging center; a radiologist interprets them for the ordering clinician.
Choose this code when the documented target is an upper-extremity region rather than a joint-centered examination. The order and report should identify the body region, laterality, clinical indication, and noncontrast protocol. Report a separate service for each side examined; under CMS, each side is paid separately at 100% when performed bilaterally. The study may be billed globally, or the interpretation may be billed with modifier 26 and the equipment and staff portion with modifier TC; CMS separately prices those components. When multiple diagnostic imaging procedures are billed, the multiple-procedure reduction applies to both the professional and technical components.
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 Montana compares for 73218
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 73218 runs from $265.59 in Arkansas to $419.67 in San Benito County, CA. Montana pays $303.27. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Montana · this page$303.27
- Los Angeles, CA · California$350.79+$47.52
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$351.58+$48.31
- Miami, FL · Florida$318.88+$15.61
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$309.19+$5.92
- Manhattan, NY · New York$349.51+$46.24
- Alaska · Alaska$340.46+$37.19
Other areas in Montana first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $269.85 | — |
| ArkansasArkansas | $265.59 | — |
| ArizonaArizona | $294.87 | — |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $327.37 | — |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $327.04 | — |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $327.06 | — |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $327.04 | — |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $327.04 | — |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $327.04 | — |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $327.04 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $327.04 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $385.78 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $349.82 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $327.04 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $327.04 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $328.14 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $345.02 | — |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $343.78 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $353.22 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $410.56 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $410.45 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $419.67 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $419.20 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $338.04 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $357.66 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $345.44 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $361.39 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $327.04 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $385.61 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $327.04 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $327.04 | — |
| ColoradoColorado | $319.45 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $324.56 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $300.09 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $309.31 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $293.70 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $308.18 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $276.29 | — |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $336.93 | — |
| IowaIowa | $279.52 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $281.05 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $286.20 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $282.90 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $313.08 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $282.89 | — |
| KansasKansas | $277.06 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $274.60 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $288.64 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $273.72 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $354.36 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $316.87 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $323.45 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $306.52 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $281.55 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $299.75 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $296.62 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $281.45 | — |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $308.35 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $287.60 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $291.01 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $267.89 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $266.85 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $284.93 | — |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $301.30 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $281.50 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $313.35 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $347.22 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $328.91 | — |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $282.72 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $302.98 | — |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $357.32 | — |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $330.27 | — |
| Queens, NYNew York | $354.14 | — |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $289.50 | — |
| OhioOhio | $281.05 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $275.16 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $331.53 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $301.26 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $315.21 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $282.12 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $306.04 | — |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $312.20 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $283.33 | — |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $301.06 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $278.45 | — |
| Austin, TXTexas | $317.83 | — |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $280.02 | — |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $300.60 | — |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $302.18 | — |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $299.66 | — |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $301.27 | — |
| Houston, TXTexas | $303.10 | — |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $289.91 | — |
| UtahUtah | $287.59 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $297.95 | — |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $306.04 | — |
| VermontVermont | $299.07 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $316.62 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $362.95 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $290.22 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $271.20 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $302.41 | — |
73218 rates by state
Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.
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.
$265.59
$373.36
Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.
View every state and territory as a table
| State / territory | Office rate range | Localities |
|---|---|---|
| AK | $340.46 | 1 |
| AL | $269.85 | 1 |
| AR | $265.59 | 1 |
| AZ | $294.87 | 1 |
| CA | $327.04–$419.67 | 29 |
| CO | $319.45 | 1 |
| CT | $324.56 | 1 |
| DC | $351.58 | 1 |
| DE | $300.09 | 1 |
| FL | $293.70–$318.88 | 3 |
| GA | $276.29–$308.18 | 2 |
| GU | $336.93 | 1 |
| HI | $336.93 | 1 |
| IA | $279.52 | 1 |
| ID | $281.05 | 1 |
| IL | $282.90–$313.08 | 4 |
| IN | $282.89 | 1 |
| KS | $277.06 | 1 |
| KY | $274.60 | 1 |
| LA | $273.72–$288.64 | 2 |
| MA | $316.87–$354.36 | 2 |
| MD | $306.52–$351.58 | 3 |
| ME | $281.55–$299.75 | 2 |
| MI | $281.45–$296.62 | 2 |
| MN | $308.35 | 1 |
| MO | $267.89–$291.01 | 3 |
| MS | $266.85 | 1 |
| MT | $303.27 | 1 |
| NC | $284.93 | 1 |
| ND | $301.30 | 1 |
| NE | $281.50 | 1 |
| NH | $313.35 | 1 |
| NJ | $328.91–$347.22 | 2 |
| NM | $282.72 | 1 |
| NV | $302.98 | 1 |
| NY | $289.50–$357.32 | 5 |
| OH | $281.05 | 1 |
| OK | $275.16 | 1 |
| OR | $301.26–$331.53 | 2 |
| PA | $282.12–$315.21 | 2 |
| PR | $306.04 | 1 |
| RI | $312.20 | 1 |
| SC | $283.33 | 1 |
| SD | $301.06 | 1 |
| TN | $278.45 | 1 |
| TX | $280.02–$317.83 | 8 |
| UT | $287.59 | 1 |
| VA | $297.95–$351.58 | 2 |
| VI | $306.04 | 1 |
| VT | $299.07 | 1 |
| WA | $316.62–$362.95 | 2 |
| WI | $290.22 | 1 |
| WV | $271.20 | 1 |
| WY | $302.41 | 1 |
How the 73218 rate is calculated
Each of 73218’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 · 73218
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work1.32
1.32 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense7.66
7.66 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.10
0.10 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
9.0800
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$303.28
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Montana inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
8,165
- Code
- 73218
- Physician work
- 1.32
- Practice expense
- 7.66
- Malpractice
- 0.10
GPCI2026.csv
71
- Locality
- Montana
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 1.000
- Malpractice
- 0.998
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 1.32 | × 1.000 | 1.3200 |
| Practice expense | 7.66 | × 1.000 | 7.6600 |
| Malpractice | 0.10 | × 0.998 | 0.0998 |
| Total RVUs | 9.0798 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Montana$303.27
Office: (1.32 × 1 + 7.66 × 1 + 0.1 × 0.998) × $33.4009 = $303.27
Payment rules and modifiers for 73218
The CMS indicators that decide how 73218 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 73218
Extremity MRI, non-joint, without contrast
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | XXX | The global surgery concept doesn’t apply. |
| Multiple procedures | 4 | Diagnostic imaging reduction applies to the technical component (and professional component) of additional services. |
| 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
73218 without 26 · national office
$303.28
Extremity MRI, non-joint, without contrast
73218-26 · Professional component
$62.79
Pays only the interpretation and report.
How 73218 has changed in Montana
73218 · Office / nonfacility
$303.27
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $7.04 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $296.23 to $303.27 (2.4%).
It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.
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
January 1, 2026
RVU26A
$296.23changed to$303.27
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 1.35 changed to 1.32
- Practice expense RVU 7.72 changed to 7.66
- Malpractice RVU 0.09 changed to 0.10
- Malpractice GPCI 0.978 changed to 0.998
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
No ratechanged to$296.23
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: No rate
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D, RVU14A, RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D, RVU15A, RVU15B, RVU15C, RVU15D, RVU16A, RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D, RVU17A, RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D, RVU18AR1, RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D, RVU19A, RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D, RVU20A, RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D, RVU21A, RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D, RVU22A, RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D, RVU23A, RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D, RVU24A, RVU24AR, RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $303.27 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $303.27 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $303.27 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $303.27 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $296.23 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $296.23 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $296.23 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $296.23 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU13AR |
Where the Montana rate applies
Montana is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 497 cities and communities in Montana. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Absarokee
- Acton
- Alberton
- Alder
- Alzada
- Amsterdam
- Anaconda-Deer Lodge County
- Antelope
73218 billing questions
When should this code be chosen instead of a joint MRI code?
Use this code when the imaged target is an upper-extremity region outside a joint. A joint-centered examination, such as an MRI focused on the wrist or elbow joint, belongs to the joint MRI code family.
How does this differ from the contrast MRI codes in this family?
This code represents a noncontrast study. Use the corresponding family code when the examination uses contrast or includes both precontrast and postcontrast imaging.
Can the interpretation and image acquisition be billed separately?
Yes. Modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation, and modifier TC identifies the technical service; billing without either modifier represents the global service.
How is a bilateral examination handled under the CMS payment rule?
CMS pays each side separately at 100% when both sides are examined. The documentation should support the examination of each side.
What documentation supports reporting this code?
Document the upper-extremity region and side examined, the clinical reason for imaging, and that the study was performed without contrast. The report should identify the findings for the imaged region.
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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