CPT code 74270: Colon imaging, single-contrast study2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Washington, DC area
Radiographic imaging of the colon using a single rectally administered contrast medium, reported for diagnostic evaluation of colonic anatomy or suspected disease.
In Washington, DC area, Medicare pays $170.76 for 74270 in the office.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 74270 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 74270 covers
This examination uses fluoroscopy and radiographs to evaluate the colon after contrast is introduced through the rectum. A radiologist typically performs and interprets the study in a hospital or outpatient imaging department. Clinicians may request it to assess suspected narrowing, obstruction, diverticular changes, or other abnormalities of the colon when a contrast enema is appropriate. The technique uses one contrast medium rather than the air-and-contrast approach associated with a double-contrast study.
Report 74270 for the single-contrast colon examination, not for imaging limited to the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine. The report should support the colon-focused study and its single-contrast technique. CMS recognizes separately priced professional and technical portions: modifier 26 identifies the interpretation, and modifier TC identifies the equipment and staff portion. Billing without either modifier represents the global service, including both portions.
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 Washington, DC area compares for 74270
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 74270 runs from $131.63 in Arkansas to $201.01 in San Benito County, CA. Washington, DC area pays $170.76. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Washington, DC area · this page$170.76
- Los Angeles, CA · California$169.83−$0.93
- Miami, FL · Florida$156.82−$13.94
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$152.46−$18.30
- Manhattan, NY · New York$170.40−$0.36
- Alaska · Alaska$171.77+$1.01
- Alabama · Alabama$133.55−$37.21
Other areas in District of Columbia first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| ArkansasArkansas | $131.63 | — |
| ArizonaArizona | $144.81 | — |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $159.17 | — |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $158.93 | — |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $158.94 | — |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $158.93 | — |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $158.93 | — |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $158.93 | — |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $158.93 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $158.93 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $185.40 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $169.18 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $158.93 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $158.93 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $159.70 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $167.11 | — |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $166.49 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $170.64 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $196.72 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $196.64 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $201.01 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $200.69 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $163.77 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $172.46 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $167.18 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $174.23 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $158.93 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $185.29 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $158.93 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $158.93 | — |
| ColoradoColorado | $155.73 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $158.47 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $147.22 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $151.99 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $144.86 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $151.01 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $136.93 | — |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $163.07 | — |
| IowaIowa | $137.66 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $138.40 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $142.00 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $140.16 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $153.71 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $139.22 | — |
| KansasKansas | $136.67 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $135.94 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $142.31 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $135.59 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $171.60 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $154.66 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $157.94 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $150.13 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $138.75 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $146.76 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $146.30 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $139.14 | — |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $150.25 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $141.71 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $143.24 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $133.04 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $132.38 | — |
| MontanaMontana | $148.63 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $140.25 | — |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $147.25 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $138.51 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $152.96 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $168.93 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $160.57 | — |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $139.76 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $148.36 | — |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $174.07 | — |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $161.34 | — |
| Queens, NYNew York | $172.31 | — |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $142.31 | — |
| OhioOhio | $138.86 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $136.07 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $161.07 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $147.49 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $154.31 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $139.28 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $149.84 | — |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $152.74 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $139.73 | — |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $147.08 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $137.31 | — |
| Austin, TXTexas | $154.96 | — |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $138.34 | — |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $147.38 | — |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $148.16 | — |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $147.06 | — |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $147.71 | — |
| Houston, TXTexas | $149.00 | — |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $142.67 | — |
| UtahUtah | $141.64 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $146.03 | — |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $149.84 | — |
| VermontVermont | $146.35 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $154.48 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $175.44 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $142.29 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $134.90 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $148.03 | — |
74270 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.
$131.63
$179.97
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 | $171.77 | 1 |
| AL | $133.55 | 1 |
| AR | $131.63 | 1 |
| AZ | $144.81 | 1 |
| CA | $158.93–$201.01 | 29 |
| CO | $155.73 | 1 |
| CT | $158.47 | 1 |
| DC | $170.76 | 1 |
| DE | $147.22 | 1 |
| FL | $144.86–$156.82 | 3 |
| GA | $136.93–$151.01 | 2 |
| GU | $163.07 | 1 |
| HI | $163.07 | 1 |
| IA | $137.66 | 1 |
| ID | $138.40 | 1 |
| IL | $140.16–$153.71 | 4 |
| IN | $139.22 | 1 |
| KS | $136.67 | 1 |
| KY | $135.94 | 1 |
| LA | $135.59–$142.31 | 2 |
| MA | $154.66–$171.60 | 2 |
| MD | $150.13–$170.76 | 3 |
| ME | $138.75–$146.76 | 2 |
| MI | $139.14–$146.30 | 2 |
| MN | $150.25 | 1 |
| MO | $133.04–$143.24 | 3 |
| MS | $132.38 | 1 |
| MT | $148.63 | 1 |
| NC | $140.25 | 1 |
| ND | $147.25 | 1 |
| NE | $138.51 | 1 |
| NH | $152.96 | 1 |
| NJ | $160.57–$168.93 | 2 |
| NM | $139.76 | 1 |
| NV | $148.36 | 1 |
| NY | $142.31–$174.07 | 5 |
| OH | $138.86 | 1 |
| OK | $136.07 | 1 |
| OR | $147.49–$161.07 | 2 |
| PA | $139.28–$154.31 | 2 |
| PR | $149.84 | 1 |
| RI | $152.74 | 1 |
| SC | $139.73 | 1 |
| SD | $147.08 | 1 |
| TN | $137.31 | 1 |
| TX | $138.34–$154.96 | 8 |
| UT | $141.64 | 1 |
| VA | $146.03–$170.76 | 2 |
| VI | $149.84 | 1 |
| VT | $146.35 | 1 |
| WA | $154.48–$175.44 | 2 |
| WI | $142.29 | 1 |
| WV | $134.90 | 1 |
| WY | $148.03 | 1 |
How the 74270 rate is calculated
Each of 74270’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 · 74270
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work1.01
1.01 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense3.37
3.37 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.07
0.07 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
4.4500
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$148.63
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Washington, DC area inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
8,378
- Code
- 74270
- Physician work
- 1.01
- Practice expense
- 3.37
- Malpractice
- 0.07
GPCI2026.csv
39
- Locality
- Washington, DC area
- Physician work
- 1.054
- Practice expense
- 1.178
- Malpractice
- 1.113
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 1.01 | × 1.054 | 1.0645 |
| Practice expense | 3.37 | × 1.178 | 3.9699 |
| Malpractice | 0.07 | × 1.113 | 0.0779 |
| Total RVUs | 5.1123 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Washington, DC area$170.76
Office: (1.01 × 1.054 + 3.37 × 1.178 + 0.07 × 1.113) × $33.4009 = $170.76
Payment rules and modifiers for 74270
The CMS indicators that decide how 74270 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 74270
Colon imaging, single-contrast study
| 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
74270 without 26 · national office
$148.63
Colon imaging, single-contrast study
74270-26 · Professional component
$47.76
Pays only the interpretation and report.
How 74270 has changed in Washington, DC area
74270 · Office / nonfacility
$170.76
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $1.06 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $169.70 to $170.76 (0.6%).
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
$169.70changed to$170.76
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 1.04 changed to 1.01
- Practice expense RVU 3.43 changed to 3.37
- Malpractice RVU 0.05 changed to 0.07
- Work GPCI 1.057 changed to 1.054
- Practice expense GPCI 1.192 changed to 1.178
- Malpractice GPCI 1.168 changed to 1.113
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$177.80changed to$169.70
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 3.50 changed to 3.43
- Malpractice RVU 0.06 changed to 0.05
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$174.90changed to$177.80
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$186.58changed to$174.90
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 3.58 changed to 3.50
- Malpractice RVU 0.05 changed to 0.06
- Work GPCI 1.056 changed to 1.057
- Practice expense GPCI 1.214 changed to 1.192
- Malpractice GPCI 1.231 changed to 1.168
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$195.89changed to$186.58
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 3.63 changed to 3.58
- Malpractice RVU 0.06 changed to 0.05
- Work GPCI 1.054 changed to 1.056
- Practice expense GPCI 1.236 changed to 1.214
- Malpractice GPCI 1.294 changed to 1.231
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$194.49changed to$195.89
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 3.56 changed to 3.63
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$184.91changed to$194.49
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 3.24 changed to 3.56
- Work GPCI 1.049 changed to 1.054
- Practice expense GPCI 1.221 changed to 1.236
- Malpractice GPCI 1.277 changed to 1.294
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$193.28changed to$184.91
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Work RVU 0.69 changed to 1.04
- Practice expense RVU 3.80 changed to 3.24
- Malpractice RVU 0.05 changed to 0.06
- Work GPCI 1.045 changed to 1.049
- Practice expense GPCI 1.205 changed to 1.221
- Malpractice GPCI 1.261 changed to 1.277
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$180.06changed to$193.28
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 3.50 changed to 3.80
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
No ratechanged to$180.06
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$178.18changed toNo rate
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D, RVU17A, RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$177.29changed to$178.18
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$190.44changed to$177.29
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense RVU 3.77 changed to 3.46
- Work GPCI 1.050 changed to 1.051
- Practice expense GPCI 1.202 changed to 1.205
- Malpractice GPCI 1.205 changed to 1.280
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
No ratechanged to$190.44
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: No rate
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $170.76 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $170.76 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $170.76 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $170.76 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $169.70 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $169.70 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $169.70 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $169.70 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $177.80 | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $177.80 | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $177.80 | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $177.80 | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $174.90 | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $186.58 | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $186.58 | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $186.58 | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $186.58 | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $195.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $195.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $195.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $195.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $194.49 | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $194.49 | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $194.49 | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $194.49 | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $184.91 | Not available in this setting | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $184.91 | Not available in this setting | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $184.91 | Not available in this setting | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $184.91 | Not available in this setting | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $193.28 | Not available in this setting | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $193.28 | Not available in this setting | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $193.28 | Not available in this setting | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $193.28 | Not available in this setting | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $180.06 | Not available in this setting | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $180.06 | Not available in this setting | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $180.06 | Not available in this setting | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $180.06 | Not available in this setting | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $178.18 | Not available in this setting | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $178.18 | Not available in this setting | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $177.29 | Not available in this setting | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $177.29 | Not available in this setting | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $190.44 | Not available in this setting | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $190.44 | Not available in this setting | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $190.44 | Not available in this setting | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $190.44 | Not available in this setting | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU13AR |
Where the Washington, DC area rate applies
Washington, DC area is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 1 cities and communities in District of Columbia. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Washington
74270 billing questions
How does 74270 differ from 74280?
74270 is for a colon study using one contrast medium. Use 74280 when the examination uses a double-contrast technique.
When should modifier 26 or TC be used?
Use modifier 26 for the professional interpretation and modifier TC for the technical portion, such as equipment and staff. Without either modifier, the claim represents the global service.
Can the professional and technical portions be billed separately?
Yes. CMS separately prices the 26 and TC portions for this diagnostic test; the unmodified code represents the global service.
What documentation supports reporting 74270?
The imaging documentation should establish that the examination evaluated the colon and used a single-contrast technique. The interpretation should describe the relevant colonic findings.
Is CT colonography reported with 74270?
No. CT colonography uses a different imaging method and is reported with the applicable CT colonography code, rather than 74270.
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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