CPT code 73610: Ankle X-ray, complete, at least three views2026 Medicare rate & RVUs

Medicare pays $37.07 for 73610 nationally in the office. Local office rates run $32.42–$50.97.

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

What 73610 covers

This complete ankle series captures at least three projections of the tibiotalar joint, most often anteroposterior, mortise, and lateral views, sometimes with weight-bearing or additional oblique images. It is a standard study after an inversion injury that meets the Ottawa ankle rules and is also ordered for suspected malleolar or talar dome fractures, syndesmotic widening, arthritis, and checks after casting or fracture fixation. Images are taken by a radiologic technologist in imaging centers, hospital departments, emergency departments, urgent care, and orthopedic or podiatry offices, then interpreted by a radiologist, orthopedist, or podiatrist.

Code selection depends on the number of views: three or more support this complete study, while a two-view ankle study is reported with 73600. The report should document the views obtained, findings, and impression. CMS separates the professional component, reported with modifier 26 for interpretation, from the technical component, reported with modifier TC for equipment and staff. Billing without a component modifier claims the global service. When both ankles are imaged, CMS pays each side separately at 100%; identify the sides with RT and LT.

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 73610 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

73610 rates by state

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

How the 73610 rate is calculated

Each of 73610’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 73610

The CMS indicators that decide how 73610 is paid alongside other services.

What modifiers do to the payment

When to use modifier 26

73610 compared with similar codes

How to choose

73600Ankle X-rayTwo views

73600 covers two ankle views; 73610 requires at least three, commonly AP, mortise, and lateral.

73630Foot X-rayComplete, at least three views

73630 is a complete foot series focused on the tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges; 73610 images the ankle joint and malleoli. Report both when both regions are imaged for a clinical reason.

73650Heel X-rayCalcaneus study

73650 is a dedicated calcaneus study that commonly includes an axial heel view; 73610 is an ankle joint series, although its lateral view shows part of the heel.

73615Ankle arthrographyRadiographic supervision and interpretation

73615 is radiological supervision and interpretation of ankle arthrography with intra-articular contrast; 73610 is a plain ankle radiographic study.

Codes related to 73610

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