CPT code 78020: Thyroid uptake, whole-body metastasis measurement2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Manhattan, NY
Reports quantitative whole-body radioactive iodine uptake measurement for thyroid carcinoma, as an add-on to the related whole-body metastasis imaging service.
In Manhattan, NY, Medicare pays $90.62 for 78020 in the office.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 78020 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 78020 covers
This add-on captures a quantitative whole-body uptake measurement after radioactive iodine administration in a patient being evaluated for thyroid carcinoma metastases. It commonly accompanies nuclear medicine imaging in follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer, including assessment for iodine-avid residual or metastatic disease. Nuclear medicine technologists perform the acquisition and measurement, with a nuclear medicine physician interpreting the findings.
Report 78020 only with the primary whole-body thyroid carcinoma metastasis imaging service, 78018. The record should support the clinical indication, radioactive tracer administration, measured uptake, and physician interpretation. CMS treats this as an add-on paid within the primary procedure’s global period. The global service may be billed without a component modifier; modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation, while modifier TC identifies the technical service, including equipment and staff.
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 Manhattan, NY compares for 78020
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 78020 runs from $70.32 in Arkansas to $106.40 in San Benito County, CA. Manhattan, NY pays $90.62. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Manhattan, NY · this page$90.62
- NYC suburbs and Long Island, NY · New York$92.55+$1.93
- Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NY · New York$85.85−$4.77
- Queens, NY · New York$91.59+$0.97
- Rest of New York · New York$75.86−$14.76
- Los Angeles, CA · California$90.15−$0.47
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$90.72+$0.10
Other areas in New York first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Miami, FLFlorida | $83.59 | — |
| Chicago, ILIllinois | $81.32 | — |
| AlaskaAlaska | $92.19 | — |
| AlabamaAlabama | $71.32 | — |
| ArkansasArkansas | $70.32 | — |
| ArizonaArizona | $77.17 | — |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $84.59 | — |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $84.45 | — |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $84.46 | — |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $84.45 | — |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $84.45 | — |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $84.45 | — |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $84.45 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $84.45 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $98.23 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $89.79 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $84.45 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $84.45 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $84.90 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $88.72 | — |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $88.39 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $90.53 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $104.14 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $104.09 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $106.40 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $106.21 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $86.95 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $91.45 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $88.74 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $92.38 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $84.45 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $98.16 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $84.45 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $84.45 | — |
| ColoradoColorado | $82.82 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $84.31 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $78.43 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $81.00 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $77.27 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $80.42 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $73.14 | — |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $86.56 | — |
| IowaIowa | $73.41 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $73.81 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $75.87 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $74.86 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $81.90 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $74.23 | — |
| KansasKansas | $72.92 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $72.60 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $75.91 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $72.42 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $91.10 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $82.28 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $84.03 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $79.95 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $74.01 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $78.14 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $78.04 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $74.28 | — |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $79.90 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $75.58 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $76.37 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $71.11 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $70.73 | — |
| MontanaMontana | $79.16 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $74.78 | — |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $78.37 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $73.85 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $81.38 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $89.79 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $85.42 | — |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $74.60 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $79.00 | — |
| OhioOhio | $74.11 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $72.64 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $85.58 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $78.53 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $82.16 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $74.32 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $79.78 | — |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $81.31 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $74.54 | — |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $78.27 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $73.25 | — |
| Austin, TXTexas | $82.42 | — |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $73.83 | — |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $78.50 | — |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $78.92 | — |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $78.35 | — |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $78.68 | — |
| Houston, TXTexas | $79.41 | — |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $76.07 | — |
| UtahUtah | $75.54 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $77.78 | — |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $79.78 | — |
| VermontVermont | $77.92 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $82.18 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $93.09 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $75.79 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $72.12 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $78.81 | — |
78020 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.
$70.32
$95.43
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 | $92.19 | 1 |
| AL | $71.32 | 1 |
| AR | $70.32 | 1 |
| AZ | $77.17 | 1 |
| CA | $84.45–$106.40 | 29 |
| CO | $82.82 | 1 |
| CT | $84.31 | 1 |
| DC | $90.72 | 1 |
| DE | $78.43 | 1 |
| FL | $77.27–$83.59 | 3 |
| GA | $73.14–$80.42 | 2 |
| GU | $86.56 | 1 |
| HI | $86.56 | 1 |
| IA | $73.41 | 1 |
| ID | $73.81 | 1 |
| IL | $74.86–$81.90 | 4 |
| IN | $74.23 | 1 |
| KS | $72.92 | 1 |
| KY | $72.60 | 1 |
| LA | $72.42–$75.91 | 2 |
| MA | $82.28–$91.10 | 2 |
| MD | $79.95–$90.72 | 3 |
| ME | $74.01–$78.14 | 2 |
| MI | $74.28–$78.04 | 2 |
| MN | $79.90 | 1 |
| MO | $71.11–$76.37 | 3 |
| MS | $70.73 | 1 |
| MT | $79.16 | 1 |
| NC | $74.78 | 1 |
| ND | $78.37 | 1 |
| NE | $73.85 | 1 |
| NH | $81.38 | 1 |
| NJ | $85.42–$89.79 | 2 |
| NM | $74.60 | 1 |
| NV | $79.00 | 1 |
| NY | $75.86–$92.55 | 5 |
| OH | $74.11 | 1 |
| OK | $72.64 | 1 |
| OR | $78.53–$85.58 | 2 |
| PA | $74.32–$82.16 | 2 |
| PR | $79.78 | 1 |
| RI | $81.31 | 1 |
| SC | $74.54 | 1 |
| SD | $78.27 | 1 |
| TN | $73.25 | 1 |
| TX | $73.83–$82.42 | 8 |
| UT | $75.54 | 1 |
| VA | $77.78–$90.72 | 2 |
| VI | $79.78 | 1 |
| VT | $77.92 | 1 |
| WA | $82.18–$93.09 | 2 |
| WI | $75.79 | 1 |
| WV | $72.12 | 1 |
| WY | $78.81 | 1 |
How the 78020 rate is calculated
Each of 78020’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 · 78020
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work0.59
0.59 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense1.74
1.74 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.04
0.04 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
2.3700
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$79.16
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Manhattan, NY inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
9,197
- Code
- 78020
- Physician work
- 0.59
- Practice expense
- 1.74
- Malpractice
- 0.04
GPCI2026.csv
78
- Locality
- Manhattan, NY
- Physician work
- 1.064
- Practice expense
- 1.162
- Malpractice
- 1.586
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 0.59 | × 1.064 | 0.6278 |
| Practice expense | 1.74 | × 1.162 | 2.0219 |
| Malpractice | 0.04 | × 1.586 | 0.0634 |
| Total RVUs | 2.7131 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Manhattan, NY$90.62
Office: (0.59 × 1.064 + 1.74 × 1.162 + 0.04 × 1.586) × $33.4009 = $90.62
Payment rules and modifiers for 78020
The CMS indicators that decide how 78020 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 78020
Thyroid uptake, whole-body metastasis measurement
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | ZZZ | Add-on code: falls within the primary procedure’s global period. |
| 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
78020 without 26 · national office
$79.16
Thyroid uptake, whole-body metastasis measurement
78020-26 · Professional component
$26.05
Pays only the interpretation and report.
How 78020 has changed in Manhattan, NY
78020 · Office / nonfacility
$90.62
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $2.56 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $88.06 to $90.62 (2.9%).
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
$88.06changed to$90.62
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 0.60 changed to 0.59
- Practice expense RVU 1.73 changed to 1.74
- Work GPCI 1.065 changed to 1.064
- Practice expense GPCI 1.166 changed to 1.162
- Malpractice GPCI 1.656 changed to 1.586
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$89.46changed to$88.06
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 1.70 changed to 1.73
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$88.00changed to$89.46
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$92.68changed to$88.00
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 1.71 changed to 1.70
- Work GPCI 1.061 changed to 1.065
- Practice expense GPCI 1.184 changed to 1.166
- Malpractice GPCI 1.843 changed to 1.656
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$96.34changed to$92.68
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 1.72 changed to 1.71
- Work GPCI 1.056 changed to 1.061
- Practice expense GPCI 1.203 changed to 1.184
- Malpractice GPCI 2.031 changed to 1.843
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$99.24changed to$96.34
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 1.77 changed to 1.72
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$99.88changed to$99.24
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 1.73 changed to 1.77
- Work GPCI 1.054 changed to 1.056
- Practice expense GPCI 1.192 changed to 1.203
- Malpractice GPCI 1.823 changed to 2.031
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$100.35changed to$99.88
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 1.77 changed to 1.73
- Work GPCI 1.052 changed to 1.054
- Practice expense GPCI 1.180 changed to 1.192
- Malpractice GPCI 1.615 changed to 1.823
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$101.94changed to$100.35
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 1.81 changed to 1.77
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$100.50changed to$101.94
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense RVU 1.79 changed to 1.81
- Practice expense GPCI 1.174 changed to 1.180
- Malpractice GPCI 1.690 changed to 1.615
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$99.98changed to$100.50
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Practice expense GPCI 1.168 changed to 1.174
- Malpractice GPCI 1.764 changed to 1.690
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$99.92changed to$99.98
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
- Practice expense RVU 1.78 changed to 1.79
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$99.43changed to$99.92
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$96.68changed to$99.43
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense RVU 1.72 changed to 1.78
- Work GPCI 1.057 changed to 1.052
- Practice expense GPCI 1.165 changed to 1.168
- Malpractice GPCI 1.518 changed to 1.764
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
$96.55changed to$96.68
- Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
- Practice expense RVU 1.85 changed to 1.72
- Work GPCI 1.062 changed to 1.057
- Practice expense GPCI 1.162 changed to 1.165
- Malpractice GPCI 1.271 changed to 1.518
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: $96.55
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $90.62 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $90.62 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $90.62 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $90.62 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $88.06 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $88.06 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $88.06 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $88.06 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $89.46 | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $89.46 | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $89.46 | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $89.46 | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $88.00 | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $92.68 | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $92.68 | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $92.68 | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $92.68 | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $96.34 | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $96.34 | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $96.34 | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $96.34 | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $99.24 | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $99.24 | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $99.24 | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $99.24 | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $99.88 | Not available in this setting | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $99.88 | Not available in this setting | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $99.88 | Not available in this setting | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $99.88 | Not available in this setting | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $100.35 | Not available in this setting | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $100.35 | Not available in this setting | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $100.35 | Not available in this setting | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $100.35 | Not available in this setting | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $101.94 | Not available in this setting | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $101.94 | Not available in this setting | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $101.94 | Not available in this setting | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $101.94 | Not available in this setting | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $100.50 | Not available in this setting | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $100.50 | Not available in this setting | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $100.50 | Not available in this setting | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $100.50 | Not available in this setting | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $99.98 | Not available in this setting | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $99.98 | Not available in this setting | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $99.98 | Not available in this setting | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $99.98 | Not available in this setting | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $99.92 | Not available in this setting | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $99.92 | Not available in this setting | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $99.43 | Not available in this setting | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $99.43 | Not available in this setting | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $96.68 | Not available in this setting | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $96.68 | Not available in this setting | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $96.68 | Not available in this setting | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $96.68 | Not available in this setting | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | $96.55 | Not available in this setting | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | $96.55 | Not available in this setting | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | $96.55 | Not available in this setting | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | $96.55 | Not available in this setting | RVU13AR |
Where the Manhattan, NY rate applies
Manhattan, NY is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 1 cities and communities in New York. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- 78020 in New York · multiple payment areas
78020 billing questions
Can 78020 be reported by itself?
No. It is an add-on and must be reported with the primary whole-body thyroid carcinoma metastasis imaging service, 78018.
How is 78020 different from 78018?
78018 represents the primary whole-body metastasis imaging service. 78020 adds the quantitative whole-body uptake measurement.
When should modifier 26 or TC be used?
Use modifier 26 for the physician’s interpretation and modifier TC for the technical service. Without either modifier, the claim represents the global service.
What documentation supports 78020?
Document the thyroid carcinoma indication, radioactive tracer administration, whole-body uptake measurement, and the interpreting physician’s findings.
How does the primary procedure’s global period affect this add-on?
CMS pays 78020 within the global period of the primary procedure. It is reported with 78018, not as a separate standalone service.
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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