CPT code 74240: Upper GI series, single contrast2026 Medicare rate & RVUs

Medicare pays $121.91 for 74240 nationally in the office. Local office rates run $107.82–$165.64.

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

What 74240 covers

This study follows swallowed contrast through the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using fluoroscopy and radiographic images. A radiologic technologist typically performs the imaging in a hospital radiology department or outpatient imaging center, while a radiologist interprets the findings. It may be ordered to evaluate upper digestive tract symptoms or suspected structural abnormalities; the service is defined by the single-contrast technique, commonly using barium.

Report 74240 when the examination covers the upper GI tract using a single-contrast approach, rather than a double-contrast study or an examination limited to the esophagus. Documentation should identify the clinical indication, the areas examined, the contrast technique, and the interpreting physician’s findings. The global service includes the technical work and professional interpretation. If those portions are billed separately, use modifier 26 for the interpretation or TC for the equipment and staff portion.

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 74240 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

74240 rates by state

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

How the 74240 rate is calculated

Each of 74240’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 74240

The CMS indicators that decide how 74240 is paid alongside other services.

What modifiers do to the payment

When to use modifier 26

74240 compared with similar codes

How to choose

74246Upper GI imagingAir-contrast study

Choose 74240 for a single-contrast upper GI examination; choose 74246 when the documented technique is double contrast.

74220EsophagramSingle contrast

74220 describes imaging limited to the esophagus. 74240 covers an upper GI examination that includes the stomach and duodenum.

74230Swallow studyRecorded fluoroscopic evaluation

74230 is a functional swallowing examination. 74240 follows contrast through the upper GI tract.

74210Contrast X-rayPharynx and cervical esophagus

74210 focuses on the pharynx and cervical esophagus; 74240 examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Codes related to 74240

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