CPT code 73220: Extremity MRI, without and with contrast2026 Medicare rate & RVUs

Medicare pays $406.82 for 73220 nationally in the office. Local office rates run $357.51–$558.51.

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

What 73220 covers

This study images nonjoint structures of an upper extremity, such as soft tissues in the upper arm or forearm, using MRI sequences before and after contrast administration. It may be used to evaluate a suspected soft-tissue mass, infection, or other abnormality outside a dedicated joint examination. A technologist performs the scan, and a radiologist or other qualified physician interprets the images. The ordering question and scanned anatomy should center on the limb rather than a specific joint.

Report this code when the documented examination includes both unenhanced and contrast-enhanced imaging; use the corresponding single-phase code when only one phase is performed. The order and report should identify the side, anatomy examined, clinical indication, and contrast-enhanced sequences. The global service includes the technical work and interpretation. Modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation, while modifier TC identifies the technical service. CMS applies the diagnostic imaging multiple procedure reduction to both components. When both sides are examined, 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.

Where 73220 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

73220 rates by state

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

How the 73220 rate is calculated

Each of 73220’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 73220

The CMS indicators that decide how 73220 is paid alongside other services.

What modifiers do to the payment

When to use modifier 26

73220 compared with similar codes

How to choose

73218Extremity MRINon-joint, without contrast

73218 is for a nonjoint upper-extremity MRI without contrast; this code requires both unenhanced and contrast-enhanced imaging.

73219Extremity MRIContrast, non-joint area

73219 describes a nonjoint upper-extremity MRI with contrast only. Choose this code when the study includes both pre- and post-contrast imaging.

73223Joint MRIWithout and with contrast

73223 is the corresponding study for an upper-extremity joint. This code applies when the examination targets nonjoint structures of the limb.

73202Extremity CTWithout and with contrast

73202 uses CT rather than MRI for upper-extremity imaging without and with contrast. The modality and documented study performed determine the code.

Codes related to 73220

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