CPT code 73220: Extremity MRI, without and with contrast2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Iowa
MRI of nonjoint upper-extremity tissues with images acquired before and after contrast is reported when both phases are performed.
In Iowa, Medicare pays $375.44 for 73220 in the office.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 73220 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 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.
How Iowa compares for 73220
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 73220 runs from $357.51 in Arkansas to $558.51 in San Benito County, CA. Iowa pays $375.44. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Iowa · this page$375.44
- Los Angeles, CA · California$468.54+$93.10
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$470.19+$94.75
- Miami, FL · Florida$428.58+$53.14
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$415.89+$40.45
- Manhattan, NY · New York$468.12+$92.68
- Alaska · Alaska$461.03+$85.59
Other areas in Iowa first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $363.09 | — |
| ArkansasArkansas | $357.51 | — |
| ArizonaArizona | $395.78 | — |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $437.87 | — |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $437.34 | — |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $437.37 | — |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $437.34 | — |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $437.34 | — |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $437.34 | — |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $437.34 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $437.34 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $513.98 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $467.08 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $437.34 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $437.34 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $439.11 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $460.88 | — |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $459.20 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $471.42 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $546.44 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $546.26 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $558.51 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $557.77 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $451.59 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $477.05 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $461.31 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $481.99 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $437.34 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $513.72 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $437.34 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $437.34 | — |
| ColoradoColorado | $427.70 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $434.86 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $402.66 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $415.45 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $394.93 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $413.41 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $372.06 | — |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $449.97 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $377.50 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $385.73 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $381.01 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $420.39 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $379.89 | — |
| KansasKansas | $372.36 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $369.59 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $388.00 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $368.49 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $473.39 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $424.42 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $433.40 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $411.06 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $378.30 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $401.87 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $398.89 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $378.69 | — |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $412.67 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $386.49 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $390.93 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $360.96 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $359.37 | — |
| MontanaMontana | $406.81 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $382.69 | — |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $403.65 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $377.99 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $419.74 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $464.62 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $440.63 | — |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $380.40 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $406.26 | — |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $478.51 | — |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $442.58 | — |
| Queens, NYNew York | $473.98 | — |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $388.67 | — |
| OhioOhio | $378.04 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $370.18 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $443.36 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $403.91 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $422.70 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $379.36 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $410.39 | — |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $418.51 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $380.84 | — |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $403.27 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $374.20 | — |
| Austin, TXTexas | $425.57 | — |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $376.62 | — |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $403.23 | — |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $405.37 | — |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $402.13 | — |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $404.15 | — |
| Houston, TXTexas | $407.07 | — |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $389.41 | — |
| UtahUtah | $386.40 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $399.62 | — |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $410.39 | — |
| VermontVermont | $400.87 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $424.02 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $484.57 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $389.21 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $365.72 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $405.43 | — |
73220 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.
$357.51
$497.92
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 | $461.03 | 1 |
| AL | $363.09 | 1 |
| AR | $357.51 | 1 |
| AZ | $395.78 | 1 |
| CA | $437.34–$558.51 | 29 |
| CO | $427.70 | 1 |
| CT | $434.86 | 1 |
| DC | $470.19 | 1 |
| DE | $402.66 | 1 |
| FL | $394.93–$428.58 | 3 |
| GA | $372.06–$413.41 | 2 |
| GU | $449.97 | 1 |
| HI | $449.97 | 1 |
| IA | $375.44 | 1 |
| ID | $377.50 | 1 |
| IL | $381.01–$420.39 | 4 |
| IN | $379.89 | 1 |
| KS | $372.36 | 1 |
| KY | $369.59 | 1 |
| LA | $368.49–$388.00 | 2 |
| MA | $424.42–$473.39 | 2 |
| MD | $411.06–$470.19 | 3 |
| ME | $378.30–$401.87 | 2 |
| MI | $378.69–$398.89 | 2 |
| MN | $412.67 | 1 |
| MO | $360.96–$390.93 | 3 |
| MS | $359.37 | 1 |
| MT | $406.81 | 1 |
| NC | $382.69 | 1 |
| ND | $403.65 | 1 |
| NE | $377.99 | 1 |
| NH | $419.74 | 1 |
| NJ | $440.63–$464.62 | 2 |
| NM | $380.40 | 1 |
| NV | $406.26 | 1 |
| NY | $388.67–$478.51 | 5 |
| OH | $378.04 | 1 |
| OK | $370.18 | 1 |
| OR | $403.91–$443.36 | 2 |
| PA | $379.36–$422.70 | 2 |
| PR | $410.39 | 1 |
| RI | $418.51 | 1 |
| SC | $380.84 | 1 |
| SD | $403.27 | 1 |
| TN | $374.20 | 1 |
| TX | $376.62–$425.57 | 8 |
| UT | $386.40 | 1 |
| VA | $399.62–$470.19 | 2 |
| VI | $410.39 | 1 |
| VT | $400.87 | 1 |
| WA | $424.02–$484.57 | 2 |
| WI | $389.21 | 1 |
| WV | $365.72 | 1 |
| WY | $405.43 | 1 |
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.
How the rate is built · 73220
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work2.10
2.10 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense9.92
9.92 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.16
0.16 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
12.1800
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$406.82
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
8,171
- Code
- 73220
- Physician work
- 2.10
- Practice expense
- 9.92
- Malpractice
- 0.16
GPCI2026.csv
53
- Locality
- Iowa
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 0.915
- Malpractice
- 0.397
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 2.10 | × 1.000 | 2.1000 |
| Practice expense | 9.92 | × 0.915 | 9.0768 |
| Malpractice | 0.16 | × 0.397 | 0.0635 |
| Total RVUs | 11.2403 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Iowa$375.44
Office: (2.1 × 1 + 9.92 × 0.915 + 0.16 × 0.397) × $33.4009 = $375.44
Payment rules and modifiers for 73220
The CMS indicators that decide how 73220 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 73220
Extremity MRI, without and with 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
73220 without 26 · national office
$406.82
Extremity MRI, without and with contrast
73220-26 · Professional component
$99.53
Pays only the interpretation and report.
How 73220 has changed in Iowa
73220 · Office / nonfacility
$375.44
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $4.66 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $370.78 to $375.44 (1.3%).
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
$370.78changed to$375.44
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 2.15 changed to 2.10
- Practice expense RVU 10.12 changed to 9.92
- Practice expense GPCI 0.913 changed to 0.915
- Malpractice GPCI 0.457 changed to 0.397
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$388.55changed to$370.78
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 10.36 changed to 10.12
- Malpractice RVU 0.14 changed to 0.16
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$382.21changed to$388.55
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$401.67changed to$382.21
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 10.59 changed to 10.36
- Malpractice RVU 0.15 changed to 0.14
- Practice expense GPCI 0.910 changed to 0.913
- Malpractice GPCI 0.441 changed to 0.457
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$414.51changed to$401.67
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 10.77 changed to 10.59
- Malpractice RVU 0.14 changed to 0.15
- Practice expense GPCI 0.907 changed to 0.910
- Malpractice GPCI 0.425 changed to 0.441
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$438.83changed to$414.51
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 11.43 changed to 10.77
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
October 1, 2021
RVU21D
No ratechanged to$438.83
July 1, 2021
RVU21C
$438.83changed toNo rate
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$446.37changed to$438.83
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 11.21 changed to 11.43
- Malpractice RVU 0.12 changed to 0.14
- Malpractice GPCI 0.424 changed to 0.425
Held through RVU21B.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$454.22changed to$446.37
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 11.46 changed to 11.21
- Malpractice RVU 0.14 changed to 0.12
- Malpractice GPCI 0.423 changed to 0.424
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$467.11changed to$454.22
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 11.87 changed to 11.46
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$462.09changed to$467.11
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense RVU 11.82 changed to 11.87
- Practice expense GPCI 0.902 changed to 0.907
- Malpractice GPCI 0.458 changed to 0.423
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$456.72changed to$462.09
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Practice expense RVU 11.76 changed to 11.82
- Practice expense GPCI 0.896 changed to 0.902
- Malpractice GPCI 0.493 changed to 0.458
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$456.76changed to$456.72
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
- Practice expense RVU 11.71 changed to 11.76
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$454.48changed to$456.76
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$468.26changed to$454.48
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense RVU 12.18 changed to 11.71
- Malpractice RVU 0.12 changed to 0.14
- Practice expense GPCI 0.892 changed to 0.896
- Malpractice GPCI 0.475 changed to 0.493
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
$522.11changed to$468.26
- Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
- Practice expense RVU 14.81 changed to 12.18
- Malpractice RVU 0.13 changed to 0.12
- Practice expense GPCI 0.887 changed to 0.892
- Malpractice GPCI 0.456 changed to 0.475
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: $522.11
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $375.44 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $375.44 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $375.44 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $375.44 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $370.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $370.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $370.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $370.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $388.55 | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $388.55 | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $388.55 | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $388.55 | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $382.21 | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $401.67 | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $401.67 | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $401.67 | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $401.67 | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $414.51 | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $414.51 | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $414.51 | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $414.51 | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $438.83 | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $438.83 | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $438.83 | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $446.37 | Not available in this setting | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $446.37 | Not available in this setting | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $446.37 | Not available in this setting | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $446.37 | Not available in this setting | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $454.22 | Not available in this setting | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $454.22 | Not available in this setting | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $454.22 | Not available in this setting | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $454.22 | Not available in this setting | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $467.11 | Not available in this setting | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $467.11 | Not available in this setting | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $467.11 | Not available in this setting | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $467.11 | Not available in this setting | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $462.09 | Not available in this setting | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $462.09 | Not available in this setting | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $462.09 | Not available in this setting | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $462.09 | Not available in this setting | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $456.72 | Not available in this setting | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $456.72 | Not available in this setting | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $456.72 | Not available in this setting | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $456.72 | Not available in this setting | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $456.76 | Not available in this setting | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $456.76 | Not available in this setting | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $454.48 | Not available in this setting | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $454.48 | Not available in this setting | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $468.26 | Not available in this setting | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $468.26 | Not available in this setting | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $468.26 | Not available in this setting | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $468.26 | Not available in this setting | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | $522.11 | Not available in this setting | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | $522.11 | Not available in this setting | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | $522.11 | Not available in this setting | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | $522.11 | Not available in this setting | RVU13AR |
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.
- Ackley
- Ackworth
- Adair
- Adel
- Afton
- Agency
- Ainsworth
- Akron
73220 billing questions
When should this code be used instead of 73218 or 73219?
Use this code when the upper-extremity MRI includes imaging both before and after contrast. Code 73218 represents the unenhanced study, and 73219 represents imaging with contrast only.
How does this differ from 73223?
This code is for an examination of nonjoint upper-extremity structures. Use 73223 when the MRI is centered on an upper-extremity joint and includes both pre- and post-contrast imaging.
Can the professional and technical services be billed separately?
Yes. Modifier 26 reports the professional interpretation, and modifier TC reports the technical service. Without either modifier, the claim represents the global service.
How is bilateral imaging handled?
When both upper extremities are examined, CMS pays each side separately at 100%. Identify the right and left sides separately under applicable claim conventions.
Does the multiple procedure reduction affect both components?
Yes. CMS applies the diagnostic imaging multiple procedure reduction to both the technical and professional components.
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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