CPT code 77012: CT guidance, needle placement2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Rhode Island
Report CT guidance when computed tomography is used to direct percutaneous needle placement, such as for a biopsy or aspiration.
In Rhode Island, Medicare pays $125.82 for 77012 in the office.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 77012 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 77012 covers
This service covers CT imaging used to plan and guide a needle to a target, with images used to check the needle’s position during placement. Radiologists and interventional radiologists commonly perform it in hospital imaging departments, outpatient radiology centers, or other settings equipped for CT-guided procedures. Typical cases include directing a biopsy needle into a lung, liver, kidney, bone, or soft-tissue lesion. The biopsy, aspiration, or other needle procedure is distinct from the imaging guidance service.
Report 77012 when CT provides the guidance for needle placement, rather than fluoroscopy or MRI. Documentation should support the target, the use of CT to guide placement, and the imaging supervision and interpretation. CMS recognizes professional and technical components: modifier 26 identifies interpretation, modifier TC identifies the equipment and staff portion, and reporting the code without either modifier represents the global service. The separately priced components may be billed by different entities when each performs its 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.
How Rhode Island compares for 77012
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 77012 runs from $111.31 in Arkansas to $158.03 in San Benito County, CA. Rhode Island pays $125.82. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Rhode Island · this page$125.82
- Los Angeles, CA · California$136.75+$10.93
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$138.53+$12.71
- Miami, FL · Florida$130.93+$5.11
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$127.94+$2.12
- Manhattan, NY · New York$139.46+$13.64
- Alaska · Alaska$150.40+$24.58
Other areas in Rhode Island first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $112.61 | — |
| ArkansasArkansas | $111.31 | — |
| ArizonaArizona | $120.24 | — |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $129.33 | — |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $128.99 | — |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $129.01 | — |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $128.99 | — |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $128.99 | — |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $128.99 | — |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $128.99 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $128.99 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $146.86 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $135.91 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $128.99 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $128.99 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $130.10 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $134.66 | — |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $134.14 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $136.73 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $154.77 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $154.66 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $158.03 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $157.56 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $132.04 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $137.61 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $134.49 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $138.97 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $128.99 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $146.70 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $128.99 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $128.99 | — |
| ColoradoColorado | $127.30 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $130.04 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $121.97 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $126.53 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $121.48 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $124.87 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $115.91 | — |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $131.21 | — |
| IowaIowa | $114.88 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $115.49 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $120.64 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $118.64 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $127.75 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $116.03 | — |
| KansasKansas | $114.46 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $114.77 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $119.19 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $114.63 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $138.28 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $126.77 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $129.66 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $123.98 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $115.99 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $121.05 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $122.73 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $117.19 | — |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $122.62 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $118.52 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $119.52 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $113.06 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $112.20 | — |
| MontanaMontana | $122.91 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $116.97 | — |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $120.93 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $115.39 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $125.40 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $137.54 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $131.70 | — |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $117.71 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $122.43 | — |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $142.28 | — |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $132.54 | — |
| Queens, NYNew York | $140.40 | — |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $118.38 | — |
| OhioOhio | $116.78 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $114.59 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $130.70 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $121.64 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $127.34 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $116.93 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $123.64 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $117.03 | — |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $120.70 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $114.93 | — |
| Austin, TXTexas | $126.74 | — |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $116.31 | — |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $121.93 | — |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $122.60 | — |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $121.93 | — |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $122.24 | — |
| Houston, TXTexas | $124.07 | — |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $118.98 | — |
| UtahUtah | $118.33 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $120.73 | — |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $123.64 | — |
| VermontVermont | $120.56 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $126.50 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $140.82 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $117.63 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $115.08 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $122.05 | — |
77012 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.
$111.31
$150.40
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 | $150.40 | 1 |
| AL | $112.61 | 1 |
| AR | $111.31 | 1 |
| AZ | $120.24 | 1 |
| CA | $128.99–$158.03 | 29 |
| CO | $127.30 | 1 |
| CT | $130.04 | 1 |
| DC | $138.53 | 1 |
| DE | $121.97 | 1 |
| FL | $121.48–$130.93 | 3 |
| GA | $115.91–$124.87 | 2 |
| GU | $131.21 | 1 |
| HI | $131.21 | 1 |
| IA | $114.88 | 1 |
| ID | $115.49 | 1 |
| IL | $118.64–$127.94 | 4 |
| IN | $116.03 | 1 |
| KS | $114.46 | 1 |
| KY | $114.77 | 1 |
| LA | $114.63–$119.19 | 2 |
| MA | $126.77–$138.28 | 2 |
| MD | $123.98–$138.53 | 3 |
| ME | $115.99–$121.05 | 2 |
| MI | $117.19–$122.73 | 2 |
| MN | $122.62 | 1 |
| MO | $113.06–$119.52 | 3 |
| MS | $112.20 | 1 |
| MT | $122.91 | 1 |
| NC | $116.97 | 1 |
| ND | $120.93 | 1 |
| NE | $115.39 | 1 |
| NH | $125.40 | 1 |
| NJ | $131.70–$137.54 | 2 |
| NM | $117.71 | 1 |
| NV | $122.43 | 1 |
| NY | $118.38–$142.28 | 5 |
| OH | $116.78 | 1 |
| OK | $114.59 | 1 |
| OR | $121.64–$130.70 | 2 |
| PA | $116.93–$127.34 | 2 |
| PR | $123.64 | 1 |
| RI | $125.82 | 1 |
| SC | $117.03 | 1 |
| SD | $120.70 | 1 |
| TN | $114.93 | 1 |
| TX | $116.31–$126.74 | 8 |
| UT | $118.33 | 1 |
| VA | $120.73–$138.53 | 2 |
| VI | $123.64 | 1 |
| VT | $120.56 | 1 |
| WA | $126.50–$140.82 | 2 |
| WI | $117.63 | 1 |
| WV | $115.08 | 1 |
| WY | $122.05 | 1 |
How the 77012 rate is calculated
Each of 77012’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 · 77012
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work1.46
1.46 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense2.12
2.12 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.10
0.10 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
3.6800
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$122.92
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Rhode Island inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
8,937
- Code
- 77012
- Physician work
- 1.46
- Practice expense
- 2.12
- Malpractice
- 0.10
GPCI2026.csv
92
- Locality
- Rhode Island
- Physician work
- 1.019
- Practice expense
- 1.033
- Malpractice
- 0.892
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 1.46 | × 1.019 | 1.4877 |
| Practice expense | 2.12 | × 1.033 | 2.1900 |
| Malpractice | 0.10 | × 0.892 | 0.0892 |
| Total RVUs | 3.7669 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Rhode Island$125.82
Office: (1.46 × 1.019 + 2.12 × 1.033 + 0.1 × 0.892) × $33.4009 = $125.82
Payment rules and modifiers for 77012
The CMS indicators that decide how 77012 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 77012
CT guidance, needle placement
| 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
77012 without 26 · national office
$122.92
CT guidance, needle placement
77012-26 · Professional component
$67.14
Pays only the interpretation and report.
How 77012 has changed in Rhode Island
77012 · Office / nonfacility
$125.82
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $0.01 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $125.81 to $125.82 (0.0%).
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
$125.81changed to$125.82
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 1.50 changed to 1.46
- Practice expense RVU 2.19 changed to 2.12
- Malpractice RVU 0.09 changed to 0.10
- Work GPCI 1.025 changed to 1.019
- Practice expense GPCI 1.039 changed to 1.033
- Malpractice GPCI 0.849 changed to 0.892
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$142.89changed to$125.81
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 2.57 changed to 2.19
- Malpractice RVU 0.10 changed to 0.09
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$140.56changed to$142.89
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$148.46changed to$140.56
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 2.63 changed to 2.57
- Malpractice RVU 0.11 changed to 0.10
- Work GPCI 1.023 changed to 1.025
- Practice expense GPCI 1.044 changed to 1.039
- Malpractice GPCI 0.915 changed to 0.849
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$152.50changed to$148.46
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 2.65 changed to 2.63
- Malpractice RVU 0.10 changed to 0.11
- Work GPCI 1.021 changed to 1.023
- Practice expense GPCI 1.048 changed to 1.044
- Malpractice GPCI 0.981 changed to 0.915
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$156.69changed to$152.50
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 2.73 changed to 2.65
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$159.71changed to$156.69
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 2.66 changed to 2.73
- Work GPCI 1.024 changed to 1.021
- Practice expense GPCI 1.049 changed to 1.048
- Malpractice GPCI 0.990 changed to 0.981
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$160.15changed to$159.71
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 2.67 changed to 2.66
- Work GPCI 1.027 changed to 1.024
- Practice expense GPCI 1.050 changed to 1.049
- Malpractice GPCI 0.999 changed to 0.990
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$132.33changed to$160.15
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Work RVU 1.16 changed to 1.50
- Practice expense RVU 2.29 changed to 2.67
- Malpractice RVU 0.08 changed to 0.10
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$130.90changed to$132.33
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense RVU 2.27 changed to 2.29
- Work GPCI 1.025 changed to 1.027
- Practice expense GPCI 1.052 changed to 1.050
- Malpractice GPCI 0.879 changed to 0.999
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$130.58changed to$130.90
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Practice expense RVU 2.28 changed to 2.27
- Work GPCI 1.022 changed to 1.025
- Practice expense GPCI 1.053 changed to 1.052
- Malpractice GPCI 0.759 changed to 0.879
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$130.40changed to$130.58
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
- Practice expense RVU 2.27 changed to 2.28
- Malpractice RVU 0.07 changed to 0.08
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$129.75changed to$130.40
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$134.66changed to$129.75
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense RVU 2.40 changed to 2.27
- Malpractice RVU 0.05 changed to 0.07
- Work GPCI 1.020 changed to 1.022
- Malpractice GPCI 0.973 changed to 0.759
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
No ratechanged to$134.66
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 | $125.82 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $125.82 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $125.82 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $125.82 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $125.81 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $125.81 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $125.81 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $125.81 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $142.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $142.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $142.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $142.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $140.56 | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $148.46 | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $148.46 | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $148.46 | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $148.46 | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $152.50 | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $152.50 | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $152.50 | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $152.50 | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $156.69 | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $156.69 | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $156.69 | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $156.69 | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $159.71 | Not available in this setting | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $159.71 | Not available in this setting | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $159.71 | Not available in this setting | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $159.71 | Not available in this setting | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $160.15 | Not available in this setting | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $160.15 | Not available in this setting | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $160.15 | Not available in this setting | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $160.15 | Not available in this setting | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $132.33 | Not available in this setting | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $132.33 | Not available in this setting | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $132.33 | Not available in this setting | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $132.33 | Not available in this setting | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $130.90 | Not available in this setting | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $130.90 | Not available in this setting | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $130.90 | Not available in this setting | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $130.90 | Not available in this setting | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $130.58 | Not available in this setting | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $130.58 | Not available in this setting | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $130.58 | Not available in this setting | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $130.58 | Not available in this setting | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $130.40 | Not available in this setting | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $130.40 | Not available in this setting | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $129.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $129.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $134.66 | Not available in this setting | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $134.66 | Not available in this setting | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $134.66 | Not available in this setting | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $134.66 | Not available in this setting | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU13AR |
Where the Rhode Island rate applies
Rhode Island is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 36 cities and communities in Rhode Island. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Ashaway
- Bradford
- Carolina
- Central Falls
- Charlestown
- Chepachet
- Clayville
- Cranston
77012 billing questions
Does 77012 include the biopsy or aspiration?
No. It represents the CT guidance for needle placement; the biopsy, aspiration, or other intervention is a separate service when separately reportable.
When should 77012 be chosen instead of 77002?
Use 77012 when CT guides the needle. Code 77002 is for fluoroscopic needle guidance.
How are modifiers 26 and TC used?
Modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation component, and modifier TC identifies the technical component. Without either modifier, the claim represents the global service.
What documentation supports reporting 77012?
Document the target and procedure, use of CT to guide needle placement, and the imaging supervision and interpretation. The record should support the component billed.
Is 77012 used for CT-guided tissue ablation?
Use 77013 for CT guidance of tissue ablation. Use 77012 when CT is guiding needle placement for a different intervention, such as a biopsy.
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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