CPT code 77086: Vertebral fracture assessment, DXA imaging only2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Utah

Reports DXA-based vertebral imaging used to identify vertebral fractures, typically during osteoporosis evaluation when fracture status will guide care.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality1.3K Medicare services in 2024

In Utah, Medicare pays $32.97 for 77086 in the office.

$32.97Office (non-facility)
Not available in this settingHospital or facility
−5.1%vs the national office rate ($34.74)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 77086 nationwide

Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.

We’ll open 77086 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in Utah
  2. What 77086 covers
  3. Compared with other areas
  4. Rate map
  5. How it’s calculated
  6. Payment rules
  7. Related codes
  8. Rate history
  9. Where it applies
  10. Billing questions
  11. Sources

What 77086 covers

This service uses a DXA scanner to obtain images of the vertebral spine for assessment of vertebral fractures. It is distinct from measuring bone density: the clinician evaluates the vertebrae for fracture findings, often in patients being assessed for osteoporosis or suspected to have an unrecognized vertebral fracture. A technologist typically acquires the images in a bone-density center or imaging department, and a qualified practitioner interprets them and prepares a report.

Report 77086 for the vertebral fracture assessment itself, supported by documentation of the DXA imaging and interpretation. When axial bone-density measurement and vertebral fracture assessment are both performed, distinguish this service from 77085, which combines axial DXA with vertebral fracture assessment. CMS recognizes professional and technical components: modifier 26 identifies interpretation and report, modifier TC identifies equipment and staff, and no modifier represents 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 Utah compares for 77086

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 77086 runs from $30.41 in Arkansas to $47.60 in San Benito County, CA. Utah pays $32.97. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

77086 in Utah vs other payment areas
  1. Utah · this page$32.97
  2. Los Angeles, CA · California$39.94+$6.97
  3. Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$40.17+$7.20
  4. Miami, FL · Florida$36.92+$3.95
  5. Chicago, IL · Illinois$35.78+$2.81
  6. Manhattan, NY · New York$40.09+$7.12
  7. Alaska · Alaska$39.12+$6.15

Other areas in Utah first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.

Every other payment area

77086 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
AlabamaAlabama$30.90—
ArkansasArkansas$30.41—
ArizonaArizona$33.76—
Bakersfield, CACalifornia$37.31—
Chico, CACalifornia$37.25—
El Centro, CACalifornia$37.25—
Fresno, CACalifornia$37.25—
Hanford, CACalifornia$37.25—

77086 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.

$30.41

$42.43

Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.

View every state and territory as a table
77086 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$39.121
AL$30.901
AR$30.411
AZ$33.761
CA$37.25–$47.6029
CO$36.481
CT$37.181
DC$40.171
DE$34.361
FL$33.82–$36.923
GA$31.80–$35.342
GU$38.351
HI$38.351
IA$31.921
ID$32.111
IL$32.64–$36.064
IN$32.321
KS$31.681
KY$31.531
LA$31.44–$33.152
MA$36.20–$40.402
MD$35.08–$40.173
ME$32.21–$34.232
MI$32.35–$34.202
MN$35.091
MO$30.80–$33.383
MS$30.621
MT$34.741
NC$32.591
ND$34.341
NE$32.141
NH$35.821
NJ$37.64–$39.682
NM$32.511
NV$34.651
NY$33.12–$41.045
OH$32.271
OK$31.551
OR$34.42–$37.812
PA$32.37–$36.132
PR$35.041
RI$35.711
SC$32.481
SD$34.291
TN$31.841
TX$32.13–$36.328
UT$32.971
VA$34.06–$40.172
VI$35.041
VT$34.121
WA$36.16–$41.342
WI$33.081
WV$31.311
WY$34.561

See 77086 in every payment locality

How the 77086 rate is calculated

Each of 77086’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 · 77086

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work0.17

0.17 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense0.85

0.85 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.02

0.02 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

1.0400

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$34.74

Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.

The exact Utah inputs and CMS source lines

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

9,019

Code
77086
Physician work
0.17
Practice expense
0.85
Malpractice
0.02

GPCI2026.csv

104

Locality
Utah
Physician work
1.000
Practice expense
0.940
Malpractice
0.898
Office calculation for 77086 in Utah
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work0.17× 1.0000.1700
Practice expense0.85× 0.9400.7990
Malpractice0.02× 0.8980.0180
Total RVUs0.9870
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, Utah$32.97

Office: (0.17 × 1 + 0.85 × 0.94 + 0.02 × 0.898) × $33.4009 = $32.97

Open 77086 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 77086

The CMS indicators that decide how 77086 is paid alongside other services.

CMS payment indicators · 77086

Vertebral fracture assessment, DXA imaging only

RuleCMS valueWhat it means
Global periodXXXThe global surgery concept doesn’t apply.
Multiple procedures0No multiple-procedure reduction.
Bilateral (modifier 50)0The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply.
Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS)0Not paid without supporting documentation.
Co-surgeons (62)0Not permitted.
Team surgery (66)0Not permitted.
Professional/technical1Diagnostic test with separate professional (26) and technical (TC) components.

What modifiers do to the payment

Modifier 26 · payment effect

With and without the modifier

77086 without 26 · national office

$34.74

Vertebral fracture assessment, DXA imaging only

77086-26 · Professional component

$8.02

Pays only the interpretation and report.

When to use modifier 26

How 77086 has changed in Utah

77086 · Office / nonfacility

$32.97

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $1.52 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $31.45 to $32.97 (4.8%).

It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.

Base rate by release · bars start at $0 · select a bar to compare

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
  1. January 1, 2026

    RVU26A

    $31.45changed to$32.97

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Practice expense RVU 0.84 changed to 0.85
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.933 changed to 0.940
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.930 changed to 0.898

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $31.74changed to$31.45

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 0.82 changed to 0.84

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $31.23changed to$31.74

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $31.45changed to$31.23

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 0.80 changed to 0.82
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.926 changed to 0.933
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.865 changed to 0.930
  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $31.24changed to$31.45

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 0.78 changed to 0.80
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.919 changed to 0.926
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.799 changed to 0.865

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $31.82changed to$31.24

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 0.79 changed to 0.78

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $32.83changed to$31.82

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 0.78 changed to 0.79
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.923 changed to 0.919
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.982 changed to 0.799

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    $33.69changed to$32.83

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 0.80 changed to 0.78
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.927 changed to 0.923
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.165 changed to 0.982

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $34.99changed to$33.69

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Practice expense RVU 0.84 changed to 0.80

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $33.83changed to$34.99

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 0.81 changed to 0.84
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.925 changed to 0.927
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.167 changed to 1.165

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    $33.66changed to$33.83

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.922 changed to 0.925
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.169 changed to 1.167

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2016

    RVU16A

    $33.78changed to$33.66

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $33.62changed to$33.78

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    No ratechanged to$33.62

    Held through RVU15B.

  15. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: No rate

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D, RVU14A, RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$32.97Not available in this settingRVU26D
2026-07-01$32.97Not available in this settingRVU26C
2026-04-01$32.97Not available in this settingRVU26B
2026-01-01$32.97Not available in this settingRVU26A
2025-10-01$31.45Not available in this settingRVU25D
2025-07-01$31.45Not available in this settingRVU25C
2025-04-01$31.45Not available in this settingRVU25B
2025-01-01$31.45Not available in this settingRVU25A
2024-10-01$31.74Not available in this settingRVU24D
2024-07-01$31.74Not available in this settingRVU24C
2024-04-01$31.74Not available in this settingRVU24B
2024-03-09$31.74Not available in this settingRVU24AR
2024-01-01$31.23Not available in this settingRVU24A
2023-10-01$31.45Not available in this settingRVU23D
2023-07-01$31.45Not available in this settingRVU23C
2023-04-01$31.45Not available in this settingRVU23B
2023-01-01$31.45Not available in this settingRVU23A
2022-10-01$31.24Not available in this settingRVU22D
2022-07-01$31.24Not available in this settingRVU22C
2022-04-01$31.24Not available in this settingRVU22B
2022-01-01$31.24Not available in this settingRVU22A
2021-10-01$31.82Not available in this settingRVU21D
2021-07-01$31.82Not available in this settingRVU21C
2021-04-01$31.82Not available in this settingRVU21B
2021-01-01$31.82Not available in this settingRVU21A
2020-10-01$32.83Not available in this settingRVU20D
2020-07-01$32.83Not available in this settingRVU20C
2020-04-01$32.83Not available in this settingRVU20B
2020-01-01$32.83Not available in this settingRVU20A
2019-10-01$33.69Not available in this settingRVU19D
2019-07-01$33.69Not available in this settingRVU19C
2019-04-01$33.69Not available in this settingRVU19B
2019-01-01$33.69Not available in this settingRVU19A
2018-10-01$34.99Not available in this settingRVU18D
2018-07-01$34.99Not available in this settingRVU18C
2018-04-01$34.99Not available in this settingRVU18B
2018-01-01$34.99Not available in this settingRVU18AR1
2017-10-01$33.83Not available in this settingRVU17D
2017-07-01$33.83Not available in this settingRVU17C
2017-04-01$33.83Not available in this settingRVU17B
2017-01-01$33.83Not available in this settingRVU17A
2016-10-01$33.66Not available in this settingRVU16D
2016-07-01$33.66Not available in this settingRVU16C
2016-04-01$33.66Not available in this settingRVU16B
2016-01-01$33.66Not available in this settingRVU16A
2015-10-01$33.78Not available in this settingRVU15D
2015-07-01$33.78Not available in this settingRVU15C
2015-04-01$33.62Not available in this settingRVU15B
2015-01-01$33.62Not available in this settingRVU15A
2014-10-01Not in this releaseNot in this releaseRVU14D
2014-07-01Not in this releaseNot in this releaseRVU14C
2014-04-01Not in this releaseNot in this releaseRVU14B
2014-01-01Not in this releaseNot in this releaseRVU14A
2013-10-01Not in this releaseNot in this releaseRVU13D
2013-07-01Not in this releaseNot in this releaseRVU13C
2013-04-01Not in this releaseNot in this releaseRVU13B
2013-01-01Not in this releaseNot in this releaseRVU13AR

Price 77086 for an earlier date of service

Where the Utah rate applies

Utah is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 334 cities and communities in Utah. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

  • Alpine
  • Alta
  • Altamont
  • Alton
  • Amalga
  • American Fork
  • Aneth
  • Annabella

Browse all communities in Utah

77086 billing questions

How is 77086 different from 77085?

77086 represents DXA-based vertebral fracture assessment. Code 77085 represents axial DXA bone-density measurement together with vertebral fracture assessment, so do not report 77086 separately for the same assessment included in 77085.

Can 77086 be reported with 77080?

77080 represents axial DXA bone-density measurement, while 77086 represents vertebral fracture assessment. The record should identify each service actually performed and interpreted.

Which modifier identifies the interpretation?

Append modifier 26 for the professional component, which is the interpretation and report. Modifier TC identifies the technical component, including equipment and staff.

What does billing 77086 without a modifier represent?

An unmodified claim represents the global service, including both the professional interpretation and the technical component.

What documentation supports 77086?

Document the DXA-based vertebral imaging, the clinical reason for assessing vertebral fracture status, and the interpreting practitioner's findings and report.

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
RVUs for 77086PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 9,019 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for UtahGPCI2026.csv, line 104 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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