CPT code 76882: Extremity ultrasound, limited joint or soft tissue2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Houston, TX
A focused ultrasound assessment of a joint or nonvascular extremity structure, reported when the exam targets a limited area such as a tendon or muscle.
In Houston, TX, Medicare pays $64.66 for 76882 in the office.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 76882 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 76882 covers
This code describes a focused real-time ultrasound assessment of a joint or another nonvascular structure in an extremity. Typical targets include a suspected joint effusion, a tendon or muscle, or a localized soft-tissue concern. Radiologists, sports medicine physicians, rheumatologists, and orthopedic clinicians may perform the study in an office, clinic, or imaging department. The exam includes image documentation and a diagnostic interpretation.
Choose this code when the imaging is limited to a specific structure or focused question, rather than a broader survey of the joint. The report should identify the side and anatomy examined, the clinical indication, findings, and saved images. CMS recognizes a professional component for interpretation and a technical component for equipment and staff: bill modifier 26 for the professional work, modifier TC for the technical service, or neither modifier for the global service.
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 Houston, TX compares for 76882
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 76882 runs from $57.67 in Arkansas to $83.53 in San Benito County, CA. Houston, TX pays $64.66. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Houston, TX · this page$64.66
- Austin, TX · Texas$66.31+$1.65
- Beaumont, TX · Texas$60.40−$4.26
- Brazoria, TX · Texas$63.58−$1.08
- Dallas, TX · Texas$63.93−$0.73
- Fort Worth, TX · Texas$63.55−$1.11
- Galveston, TX · Texas$63.74−$0.92
Other areas in Texas first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Rest of TexasTexas | $61.92 | — |
| Los Angeles, CACalifornia | $71.82 | — |
| Washington, DC areaDistrict of Columbia | $72.66 | — |
| Miami, FLFlorida | $68.33 | — |
| Chicago, ILIllinois | $66.65 | — |
| Manhattan, NYNew York | $73.03 | — |
| AlaskaAlaska | $77.17 | — |
| AlabamaAlabama | $58.39 | — |
| ArkansasArkansas | $57.67 | — |
| ArizonaArizona | $62.65 | — |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $67.75 | — |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $67.58 | — |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $67.59 | — |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $67.58 | — |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $67.58 | — |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $67.58 | — |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $67.58 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $67.58 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $77.46 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $71.42 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $67.58 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $67.58 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $68.13 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $70.69 | — |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $70.42 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $71.89 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $81.79 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $81.73 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $83.53 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $83.30 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $69.31 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $72.44 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $70.63 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $73.16 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $67.58 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $77.38 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $67.58 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $67.58 | — |
| ColoradoColorado | $66.60 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $68.01 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $63.59 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $66.00 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $63.21 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $65.17 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $60.12 | — |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $68.92 | — |
| IowaIowa | $59.72 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $60.04 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $62.62 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $61.58 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $66.66 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $60.35 | — |
| KansasKansas | $59.45 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $59.54 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $61.99 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $59.45 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $72.64 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $66.27 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $67.81 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $64.70 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $60.29 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $63.15 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $63.87 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $60.86 | — |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $64.12 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $61.65 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $62.21 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $58.56 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $58.12 | — |
| MontanaMontana | $64.13 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $60.84 | — |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $63.14 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $60.00 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $65.56 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $72.07 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $68.87 | — |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $61.14 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $63.89 | — |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $74.57 | — |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $69.30 | — |
| Queens, NYNew York | $73.59 | — |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $61.63 | — |
| OhioOhio | $60.66 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $59.47 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $68.51 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $63.47 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $66.50 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $60.75 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $64.55 | — |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $65.70 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $60.83 | — |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $63.02 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $59.71 | — |
| UtahUtah | $61.55 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $62.96 | — |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $64.55 | — |
| VermontVermont | $62.90 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $66.15 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $74.04 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $61.29 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $59.60 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $63.70 | — |
76882 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.
$57.67
$77.17
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 | $77.17 | 1 |
| AL | $58.39 | 1 |
| AR | $57.67 | 1 |
| AZ | $62.65 | 1 |
| CA | $67.58–$83.53 | 29 |
| CO | $66.60 | 1 |
| CT | $68.01 | 1 |
| DC | $72.66 | 1 |
| DE | $63.59 | 1 |
| FL | $63.21–$68.33 | 3 |
| GA | $60.12–$65.17 | 2 |
| GU | $68.92 | 1 |
| HI | $68.92 | 1 |
| IA | $59.72 | 1 |
| ID | $60.04 | 1 |
| IL | $61.58–$66.66 | 4 |
| IN | $60.35 | 1 |
| KS | $59.45 | 1 |
| KY | $59.54 | 1 |
| LA | $59.45–$61.99 | 2 |
| MA | $66.27–$72.64 | 2 |
| MD | $64.70–$72.66 | 3 |
| ME | $60.29–$63.15 | 2 |
| MI | $60.86–$63.87 | 2 |
| MN | $64.12 | 1 |
| MO | $58.56–$62.21 | 3 |
| MS | $58.12 | 1 |
| MT | $64.13 | 1 |
| NC | $60.84 | 1 |
| ND | $63.14 | 1 |
| NE | $60.00 | 1 |
| NH | $65.56 | 1 |
| NJ | $68.87–$72.07 | 2 |
| NM | $61.14 | 1 |
| NV | $63.89 | 1 |
| NY | $61.63–$74.57 | 5 |
| OH | $60.66 | 1 |
| OK | $59.47 | 1 |
| OR | $63.47–$68.51 | 2 |
| PA | $60.75–$66.50 | 2 |
| PR | $64.55 | 1 |
| RI | $65.70 | 1 |
| SC | $60.83 | 1 |
| SD | $63.02 | 1 |
| TN | $59.71 | 1 |
| TX | $60.40–$66.31 | 8 |
| UT | $61.55 | 1 |
| VA | $62.96–$72.66 | 2 |
| VI | $64.55 | 1 |
| VT | $62.90 | 1 |
| WA | $66.15–$74.04 | 2 |
| WI | $61.29 | 1 |
| WV | $59.60 | 1 |
| WY | $63.70 | 1 |
How the 76882 rate is calculated
Each of 76882’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 · 76882
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work0.67
0.67 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense1.20
1.20 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.05
0.05 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
1.9200
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$64.13
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Houston, TX inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
8,844
- Code
- 76882
- Physician work
- 0.67
- Practice expense
- 1.20
- Malpractice
- 0.05
GPCI2026.csv
102
- Locality
- Houston, TX
- Physician work
- 1.008
- Practice expense
- 0.993
- Malpractice
- 1.376
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 0.67 | × 1.008 | 0.6754 |
| Practice expense | 1.20 | × 0.993 | 1.1916 |
| Malpractice | 0.05 | × 1.376 | 0.0688 |
| Total RVUs | 1.9358 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Houston, TX$64.66
Office: (0.67 × 1.008 + 1.2 × 0.993 + 0.05 × 1.376) × $33.4009 = $64.66
Payment rules and modifiers for 76882
The CMS indicators that decide how 76882 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 76882
Extremity ultrasound, limited joint or soft tissue
| 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
76882 without 26 · national office
$64.13
Extremity ultrasound, limited joint or soft tissue
76882-26 · Professional component
$32.06
Pays only the interpretation and report.
How 76882 has changed in Houston, TX
76882 · Office / nonfacility
$64.66
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $1.14 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $63.52 to $64.66 (1.8%).
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
$63.52changed to$64.66
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 0.69 changed to 0.67
- Practice expense RVU 1.19 changed to 1.20
- Work GPCI 1.014 changed to 1.008
- Practice expense GPCI 1.003 changed to 0.993
- Malpractice GPCI 1.409 changed to 1.376
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$64.36changed to$63.52
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 1.16 changed to 1.19
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$63.31changed to$64.36
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$43.78changed to$63.31
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 0.52 changed to 1.16
- Work GPCI 1.023 changed to 1.014
- Practice expense GPCI 1.016 changed to 1.003
- Malpractice GPCI 1.154 changed to 1.409
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$59.39changed to$43.78
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Work RVU 0.49 changed to 0.69
- Practice expense RVU 1.15 changed to 0.52
- Malpractice RVU 0.03 changed to 0.05
- Work GPCI 1.032 changed to 1.023
- Practice expense GPCI 1.029 changed to 1.016
- Malpractice GPCI 0.900 changed to 1.154
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$59.16changed to$59.39
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 1.13 changed to 1.15
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$59.26changed to$59.16
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 1.09 changed to 1.13
- Work GPCI 1.026 changed to 1.032
- Practice expense GPCI 1.020 changed to 1.029
- Malpractice GPCI 0.918 changed to 0.900
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$59.12changed to$59.26
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Malpractice RVU 0.04 changed to 0.03
- Work GPCI 1.020 changed to 1.026
- Practice expense GPCI 1.012 changed to 1.020
- Malpractice GPCI 0.936 changed to 0.918
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$59.78changed to$59.12
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 1.11 changed to 1.09
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$37.04changed to$59.78
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense RVU 0.49 changed to 1.11
- Practice expense GPCI 1.009 changed to 1.012
- Malpractice GPCI 0.946 changed to 0.936
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$36.89changed to$37.04
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Work GPCI 1.019 changed to 1.020
- Practice expense GPCI 1.006 changed to 1.009
- Malpractice GPCI 0.955 changed to 0.946
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$37.03changed to$36.89
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$36.84changed to$37.03
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$36.38changed to$36.84
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense RVU 0.47 changed to 0.49
- Malpractice RVU 0.05 changed to 0.04
- Work GPCI 1.014 changed to 1.019
- Practice expense GPCI 1.004 changed to 1.006
- Malpractice GPCI 0.939 changed to 0.955
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
$35.44changed to$36.38
- Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
- Practice expense RVU 0.50 changed to 0.47
- Work GPCI 1.009 changed to 1.014
- Practice expense GPCI 1.002 changed to 1.004
- Malpractice GPCI 0.923 changed to 0.939
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: $35.44
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $64.66 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $64.66 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $64.66 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $64.66 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $63.52 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $63.52 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $63.52 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $63.52 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $64.36 | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $64.36 | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $64.36 | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $64.36 | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $63.31 | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $43.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $43.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $43.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $43.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $59.39 | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $59.39 | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $59.39 | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $59.39 | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $59.16 | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $59.16 | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $59.16 | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $59.16 | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $59.26 | Not available in this setting | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $59.26 | Not available in this setting | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $59.26 | Not available in this setting | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $59.26 | Not available in this setting | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $59.12 | Not available in this setting | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $59.12 | Not available in this setting | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $59.12 | Not available in this setting | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $59.12 | Not available in this setting | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $59.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $59.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $59.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $59.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $37.04 | Not available in this setting | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $37.04 | Not available in this setting | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $37.04 | Not available in this setting | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $37.04 | Not available in this setting | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $36.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $36.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $36.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $36.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $37.03 | Not available in this setting | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $37.03 | Not available in this setting | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $36.84 | Not available in this setting | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $36.84 | Not available in this setting | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $36.38 | Not available in this setting | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $36.38 | Not available in this setting | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $36.38 | Not available in this setting | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $36.38 | Not available in this setting | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | $35.44 | Not available in this setting | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | $35.44 | Not available in this setting | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | $35.44 | Not available in this setting | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | $35.44 | Not available in this setting | RVU13AR |
Where the Houston, TX rate applies
Houston, TX is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 46 cities and communities in Texas. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- 76882 in Houston · multiple payment areas
- Aldine
- Atascocita
- Barrett
- 76882 in Baytown · multiple payment areas
- Bellaire
- Bunker Hill Village
- Channelview
76882 billing questions
When should 76882 be selected instead of 76881?
Use 76882 for a focused assessment of a specific structure or question. Use 76881 when the examination evaluates the joint comprehensively.
Can 76882 be reported for ultrasound guidance during a joint injection?
Do not use 76882 solely to represent needle guidance. Code 20611 describes major-joint or bursal aspiration or injection performed with ultrasound guidance.
Which modifiers identify the professional and technical services?
Modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation, and modifier TC identifies the technical service. Without either modifier, the claim represents the global service.
What documentation supports a limited extremity ultrasound?
Document the clinical indication, side and specific structure examined, focused findings, saved images, and the interpreting clinician’s report.
How does 76882 differ from a peripheral nerve ultrasound?
Use 76882 for a limited joint or nonvascular extremity assessment. Code 76883 is for a comprehensive ultrasound evaluation of a nerve and accompanying structures in one extremity.
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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