CPT code 76978: Contrast ultrasound, first target lesion2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in South Dakota
Reports dynamic microbubble contrast ultrasound characterization of a target lesion, including evaluation of enhancement and washout, for the first lesion examined.
In South Dakota, Medicare pays $169.13 for 76978 in the office.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 76978 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 76978 covers
This service uses ultrasound with an injected microbubble contrast agent to assess a target lesion dynamically, including its perfusion pattern and contrast washout. It is commonly used to characterize indeterminate focal findings, such as a liver lesion, when contrast-enhanced ultrasound can provide information about vascular behavior. Imaging staff acquire the study, and a qualified physician interprets the findings and produces a report. It may be performed in a hospital or outpatient imaging setting.
Report 76978 for the first target lesion; code 76979 is used for each additional lesion when the service meets that code’s requirements. The record should identify the target lesion and document the dynamic contrast assessment and interpretation. The professional component may be reported with modifier 26, the technical component with modifier TC, or the global service without either modifier. The diagnostic imaging multiple procedure reduction applies to both the technical and professional components.
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 South Dakota compares for 76978
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 76978 runs from $153.48 in Arkansas to $226.53 in San Benito County, CA. South Dakota pays $169.13. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- South Dakota · this page$169.13
- Los Angeles, CA · California$193.48+$24.35
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$195.09+$25.96
- Miami, FL · Florida$181.18+$12.05
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$176.62+$7.49
- Manhattan, NY · New York$195.35+$26.22
- Alaska · Alaska$203.72+$34.59
Other areas in South Dakota first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $155.49 | — |
| ArkansasArkansas | $153.48 | — |
| ArizonaArizona | $167.29 | — |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $182.11 | — |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $181.76 | — |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $181.77 | — |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $181.76 | — |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $181.76 | — |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $181.76 | — |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $181.76 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $181.76 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $209.67 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $192.54 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $181.76 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $181.76 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $182.87 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $190.48 | — |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $189.75 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $193.99 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $221.80 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $221.69 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $226.53 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $226.07 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $186.71 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $195.68 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $190.40 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $197.65 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $181.76 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $209.51 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $181.76 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $181.76 | — |
| ColoradoColorado | $178.62 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $181.98 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $169.89 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $175.54 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $167.96 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $174.02 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $159.54 | — |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $185.73 | — |
| IowaIowa | $159.54 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $160.37 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $165.51 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $163.20 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $177.41 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $161.22 | — |
| KansasKansas | $158.63 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $158.27 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $165.00 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $157.95 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $195.50 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $177.62 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $181.39 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $172.98 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $160.87 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $169.08 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $169.60 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $161.75 | — |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $172.34 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $164.24 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $165.82 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $155.36 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $154.46 | — |
| MontanaMontana | $171.34 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $162.42 | — |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $169.36 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $160.40 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $175.65 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $193.34 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $184.38 | — |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $162.45 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $170.90 | — |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $199.37 | — |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $185.37 | — |
| Queens, NYNew York | $197.17 | — |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $164.59 | — |
| OhioOhio | $161.35 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $158.27 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $184.13 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $169.89 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $177.67 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $161.71 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $172.56 | — |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $175.79 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $162.09 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $159.31 | — |
| Austin, TXTexas | $177.75 | — |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $160.74 | — |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $170.00 | — |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $170.89 | — |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $169.78 | — |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $170.39 | — |
| Houston, TXTexas | $172.22 | — |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $165.15 | — |
| UtahUtah | $164.09 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $168.41 | — |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $172.56 | — |
| VermontVermont | $168.54 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $177.34 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $199.53 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $164.20 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $157.69 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $170.48 | — |
76978 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.
$153.48
$204.14
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 | $203.72 | 1 |
| AL | $155.49 | 1 |
| AR | $153.48 | 1 |
| AZ | $167.29 | 1 |
| CA | $181.76–$226.53 | 29 |
| CO | $178.62 | 1 |
| CT | $181.98 | 1 |
| DC | $195.09 | 1 |
| DE | $169.89 | 1 |
| FL | $167.96–$181.18 | 3 |
| GA | $159.54–$174.02 | 2 |
| GU | $185.73 | 1 |
| HI | $185.73 | 1 |
| IA | $159.54 | 1 |
| ID | $160.37 | 1 |
| IL | $163.20–$177.41 | 4 |
| IN | $161.22 | 1 |
| KS | $158.63 | 1 |
| KY | $158.27 | 1 |
| LA | $157.95–$165.00 | 2 |
| MA | $177.62–$195.50 | 2 |
| MD | $172.98–$195.09 | 3 |
| ME | $160.87–$169.08 | 2 |
| MI | $161.75–$169.60 | 2 |
| MN | $172.34 | 1 |
| MO | $155.36–$165.82 | 3 |
| MS | $154.46 | 1 |
| MT | $171.34 | 1 |
| NC | $162.42 | 1 |
| ND | $169.36 | 1 |
| NE | $160.40 | 1 |
| NH | $175.65 | 1 |
| NJ | $184.38–$193.34 | 2 |
| NM | $162.45 | 1 |
| NV | $170.90 | 1 |
| NY | $164.59–$199.37 | 5 |
| OH | $161.35 | 1 |
| OK | $158.27 | 1 |
| OR | $169.89–$184.13 | 2 |
| PA | $161.71–$177.67 | 2 |
| PR | $172.56 | 1 |
| RI | $175.79 | 1 |
| SC | $162.09 | 1 |
| SD | $169.13 | 1 |
| TN | $159.31 | 1 |
| TX | $160.74–$177.75 | 8 |
| UT | $164.09 | 1 |
| VA | $168.41–$195.09 | 2 |
| VI | $172.56 | 1 |
| VT | $168.54 | 1 |
| WA | $177.34–$199.53 | 2 |
| WI | $164.20 | 1 |
| WV | $157.69 | 1 |
| WY | $170.48 | 1 |
How the 76978 rate is calculated
Each of 76978’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 · 76978
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work1.58
1.58 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense3.45
3.45 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.10
0.10 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
5.1300
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$171.35
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact South Dakota inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
8,892
- Code
- 76978
- Physician work
- 1.58
- Practice expense
- 3.45
- Malpractice
- 0.10
GPCI2026.csv
94
- Locality
- South Dakota
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 1.000
- Malpractice
- 0.336
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 1.58 | × 1.000 | 1.5800 |
| Practice expense | 3.45 | × 1.000 | 3.4500 |
| Malpractice | 0.10 | × 0.336 | 0.0336 |
| Total RVUs | 5.0636 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, South Dakota$169.13
Office: (1.58 × 1 + 3.45 × 1 + 0.1 × 0.336) × $33.4009 = $169.13
Payment rules and modifiers for 76978
The CMS indicators that decide how 76978 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 76978
Contrast ultrasound, first target lesion
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | XXX | The global surgery concept doesn’t apply. |
| Multiple procedures | 4 | Diagnostic imaging reduction applies to the technical component (and professional component) of additional services. |
| 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
76978 without 26 · national office
$171.35
Contrast ultrasound, first target lesion
76978-26 · Professional component
$74.48
Pays only the interpretation and report.
How 76978 has changed in South Dakota
76978 · Office / nonfacility
$169.13
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $17.33 lower than on 2025-10-01, moving from $186.46 to $169.13 (9.3%).
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
$186.46changed to$169.13
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 1.62 changed to 1.58
- Practice expense RVU 4.11 changed to 3.45
- Malpractice RVU 0.09 changed to 0.10
- Malpractice GPCI 0.382 changed to 0.336
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$219.30changed to$186.46
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 4.93 changed to 4.11
- Malpractice RVU 0.10 changed to 0.09
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$215.73changed to$219.30
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$258.10changed to$215.73
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 5.96 changed to 4.93
- Malpractice GPCI 0.364 changed to 0.382
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$306.89changed to$258.10
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 7.21 changed to 5.96
- Malpractice RVU 0.11 changed to 0.10
- Malpractice GPCI 0.347 changed to 0.364
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$321.53changed to$306.89
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 7.56 changed to 7.21
- Malpractice RVU 0.10 changed to 0.11
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$330.10changed to$321.53
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 7.49 changed to 7.56
- Malpractice GPCI 0.368 changed to 0.347
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$328.42changed to$330.10
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 7.45 changed to 7.49
- Malpractice RVU 0.11 changed to 0.10
- Malpractice GPCI 0.389 changed to 0.368
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
No ratechanged to$328.42
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: No rate
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D, RVU14A, RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D, RVU15A, RVU15B, RVU15C, RVU15D, RVU16A, RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D, RVU17A, RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D, RVU18AR1, RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $169.13 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $169.13 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $169.13 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $169.13 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $186.46 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $186.46 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $186.46 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $186.46 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $219.30 | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $219.30 | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $219.30 | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $219.30 | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $215.73 | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $258.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $258.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $258.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $258.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $306.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $306.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $306.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $306.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $321.53 | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $321.53 | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $321.53 | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $321.53 | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $330.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $330.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $330.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $330.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $328.42 | Not available in this setting | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $328.42 | Not available in this setting | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $328.42 | Not available in this setting | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $328.42 | Not available in this setting | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13AR |
Where the South Dakota rate applies
South Dakota is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 485 cities and communities in South Dakota. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Aberdeen
- Agar
- Agency Village
- Akaska
- Albee
- Alcester
- Alexandria
- Allen
76978 billing questions
When is 76978 reported instead of 76979?
Use 76978 for the first target lesion examined with dynamic microbubble contrast characterization. Use 76979 for each additional lesion when applicable.
Can the professional and technical services be billed separately?
Yes. Report modifier 26 for the interpretation and report, or modifier TC for equipment and staff. Without either modifier, the claim represents the global service.
Does the multiple procedure reduction affect both components?
Yes. CMS applies the diagnostic imaging multiple procedure reduction to both the technical and professional components.
Is this code for ultrasound-guided biopsy?
No. 76978 describes dynamic microbubble contrast characterization of a lesion, not imaging guidance for a needle biopsy. Code 76942 describes ultrasound guidance for biopsy.
What documentation supports reporting the service?
Document the target lesion, the dynamic contrast assessment, and the physician’s interpretation and report. Identify additional lesions separately when reporting 76979.
Are contrast-agent supplies included in 76978?
The CPT service describes the contrast-enhanced examination. If billing the contrast-agent supply separately, use the applicable HCPCS code for the agent administered and follow the relevant coverage and billing requirements.
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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