CPT code 73220: Extremity MRI, without and with contrast2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Missouri
MRI of nonjoint upper-extremity tissues with images acquired before and after contrast is reported when both phases are performed.
Medicare pays $360.96–$390.93 for 73220 in the office in Missouri, from Rest of Missouri to Metropolitan St. Louis, MO. 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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On this page 9 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.
Where 73220 pays more and less in Missouri
The same RVUs, adjusted for each area’s costs. Open a locality for its calculation, history and nearby areas.
3 payment localities
$360.96 to $390.93
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MO | $386.49 | Unavailable |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MO | $390.93 | Unavailable |
| Rest of Missouri | $360.96 | Unavailable |
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.
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.
73220 compared with similar codes
Compare codes · National
5 codes, side by side
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.
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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