CPT code 74240: Upper GI series, single contrast2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Missouri
A fluoroscopic single-contrast upper GI study images the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum when evaluating upper digestive tract symptoms.
Medicare pays $108.87–$117.40 for 74240 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 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 in Missouri
The same RVUs, adjusted for each area’s costs. Open a locality for its calculation, history and nearby areas.
3 payment localities
$108.87 to $117.40
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MO | $116.13 | Unavailable |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MO | $117.40 | Unavailable |
| Rest of Missouri | $108.87 | Unavailable |
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.
How the rate is built · 74240
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work0.78
0.78 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense2.82
2.82 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.05
0.05 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
3.6500
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$121.91
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
Payment rules and modifiers for 74240
The CMS indicators that decide how 74240 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 74240
Upper GI series, single contrast
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | XXX | The global surgery concept doesn’t apply. |
| Multiple procedures | 0 | No multiple-procedure reduction. |
| Bilateral (modifier 50) | 0 | The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply. |
| 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
74240 without 26 · national office
$121.91
Upper GI series, single contrast
74240-26 · Professional component
$37.74
Pays only the interpretation and report.
74240 compared with similar codes
Compare codes · National
5 codes, side by side
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.
74240 billing questions
How does 74240 differ from 74246?
74240 is for a single-contrast upper GI examination. Use 74246 when the documented examination uses a double-contrast technique.
Can the interpretation and imaging be billed separately?
Yes. Modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation, and modifier TC identifies the technical portion. Billing without either modifier represents the global service.
Is 74240 appropriate for an esophagus-only study?
No. An examination confined to the esophagus is represented by an esophageal imaging code; 74240 describes imaging that proceeds through the upper GI tract.
What should the report document?
The record should support the clinical indication, the single-contrast technique, the anatomy examined, and the radiologist’s interpretation.
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
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