CPT code 78130: Red-cell survival, erythrocyte lifespan2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Salinas, CA
Reports a nuclear medicine study that tracks labeled red blood cells over time to assess their survival in patients with suspected shortened erythrocyte lifespan.
In Salinas, CA, Medicare pays $143.13 for 78130 in the office.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 78130 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 78130 covers
For this study, the patient’s red blood cells are labeled and returned to circulation, then evaluated through follow-up sampling to estimate how long they survive. It is used in investigations of suspected hemolysis or other causes of shortened red-cell lifespan. Nuclear medicine personnel perform the technical work, and a qualified physician interprets the results. The service may be provided through a hospital or other diagnostic testing setting that can manage cell labeling and serial assessment.
Report 78130 when the documented service evaluates red-cell survival, not simply red-cell quantity or the location of cell sequestration. The record should support the labeling and administration of the cells, the survival assessment, and the physician’s interpretation and report. CMS recognizes a professional component for interpretation and a technical component for equipment and staff: report modifier 26 for the interpretation, modifier TC for the technical service, or neither modifier for the global service when one entity provides both 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 Salinas, CA compares for 78130
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 78130 runs from $111.00 in Arkansas to $174.36 in San Benito County, CA. Salinas, CA pays $143.13. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Salinas, CA · this page$143.13
- Bakersfield, CA · California$136.45−$6.68
- Chico, CA · California$136.24−$6.89
- El Centro, CA · California$136.25−$6.88
- Fresno, CA · California$136.24−$6.89
- Hanford, CA · California$136.24−$6.89
- Los Angeles, CA · California$146.14+$3.01
Other areas in California first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Madera, CACalifornia | $136.24 | — |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $136.24 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $136.24 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $160.37 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $145.68 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $136.24 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $136.24 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $137.00 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $143.64 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $147.00 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $170.53 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $170.45 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $174.36 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $174.04 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $140.75 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $148.80 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $143.80 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $150.34 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $136.24 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $160.25 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $136.24 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $136.24 | — |
| Washington, DC areaDistrict of Columbia | $146.92 | — |
| Miami, FLFlorida | $134.80 | — |
| Chicago, ILIllinois | $130.61 | — |
| Manhattan, NYNew York | $146.55 | — |
| AlaskaAlaska | $142.54 | — |
| AlabamaAlabama | $112.80 | — |
| ArkansasArkansas | $111.00 | — |
| ArizonaArizona | $123.34 | — |
| ColoradoColorado | $133.36 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $135.88 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $125.53 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $130.18 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $123.48 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $129.13 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $116.05 | — |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $140.31 | — |
| IowaIowa | $116.60 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $117.30 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $120.90 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $119.12 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $131.70 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $118.07 | — |
| KansasKansas | $115.70 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $115.08 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $121.05 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $114.76 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $147.82 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $132.32 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $135.45 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $128.19 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $117.65 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $125.12 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $124.86 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $118.10 | — |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $128.32 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $120.47 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $121.89 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $112.39 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $111.74 | — |
| MontanaMontana | $126.92 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $119.05 | — |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $125.53 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $117.39 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $130.93 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $145.10 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $137.59 | — |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $118.69 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $126.64 | — |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $150.01 | — |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $138.26 | — |
| Queens, NYNew York | $148.31 | — |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $120.99 | — |
| OhioOhio | $117.82 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $115.18 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $138.28 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $125.81 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $132.03 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $118.19 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $128.04 | — |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $130.51 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $118.60 | — |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $125.37 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $116.30 | — |
| Austin, TXTexas | $132.78 | — |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $117.32 | — |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $125.62 | — |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $126.35 | — |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $125.33 | — |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $125.94 | — |
| Houston, TXTexas | $127.23 | — |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $121.35 | — |
| UtahUtah | $120.39 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $124.45 | — |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $128.04 | — |
| VermontVermont | $124.72 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $132.18 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $151.29 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $120.90 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $114.19 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $126.32 | — |
78130 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.
$111.00
$155.30
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 | $142.54 | 1 |
| AL | $112.80 | 1 |
| AR | $111.00 | 1 |
| AZ | $123.34 | 1 |
| CA | $136.24–$174.36 | 29 |
| CO | $133.36 | 1 |
| CT | $135.88 | 1 |
| DC | $146.92 | 1 |
| DE | $125.53 | 1 |
| FL | $123.48–$134.80 | 3 |
| GA | $116.05–$129.13 | 2 |
| GU | $140.31 | 1 |
| HI | $140.31 | 1 |
| IA | $116.60 | 1 |
| ID | $117.30 | 1 |
| IL | $119.12–$131.70 | 4 |
| IN | $118.07 | 1 |
| KS | $115.70 | 1 |
| KY | $115.08 | 1 |
| LA | $114.76–$121.05 | 2 |
| MA | $132.32–$147.82 | 2 |
| MD | $128.19–$146.92 | 3 |
| ME | $117.65–$125.12 | 2 |
| MI | $118.10–$124.86 | 2 |
| MN | $128.32 | 1 |
| MO | $112.39–$121.89 | 3 |
| MS | $111.74 | 1 |
| MT | $126.92 | 1 |
| NC | $119.05 | 1 |
| ND | $125.53 | 1 |
| NE | $117.39 | 1 |
| NH | $130.93 | 1 |
| NJ | $137.59–$145.10 | 2 |
| NM | $118.69 | 1 |
| NV | $126.64 | 1 |
| NY | $120.99–$150.01 | 5 |
| OH | $117.82 | 1 |
| OK | $115.18 | 1 |
| OR | $125.81–$138.28 | 2 |
| PA | $118.19–$132.03 | 2 |
| PR | $128.04 | 1 |
| RI | $130.51 | 1 |
| SC | $118.60 | 1 |
| SD | $125.37 | 1 |
| TN | $116.30 | 1 |
| TX | $117.32–$132.78 | 8 |
| UT | $120.39 | 1 |
| VA | $124.45–$146.92 | 2 |
| VI | $128.04 | 1 |
| VT | $124.72 | 1 |
| WA | $132.18–$151.29 | 2 |
| WI | $120.90 | 1 |
| WV | $114.19 | 1 |
| WY | $126.32 | 1 |
How the 78130 rate is calculated
Each of 78130’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 · 78130
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work0.59
0.59 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense3.14
3.14 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.07
0.07 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
3.8000
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$126.92
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Salinas, CA inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
9,239
- Code
- 78130
- Physician work
- 0.59
- Practice expense
- 3.14
- Malpractice
- 0.07
GPCI2026.csv
22
- Locality
- Salinas, CA
- Physician work
- 1.031
- Practice expense
- 1.159
- Malpractice
- 0.536
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 0.59 | × 1.031 | 0.6083 |
| Practice expense | 3.14 | × 1.159 | 3.6393 |
| Malpractice | 0.07 | × 0.536 | 0.0375 |
| Total RVUs | 4.2851 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Salinas, CA$143.13
Office: (0.59 × 1.031 + 3.14 × 1.159 + 0.07 × 0.536) × $33.4009 = $143.13
Payment rules and modifiers for 78130
The CMS indicators that decide how 78130 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 78130
Red-cell survival, erythrocyte lifespan
| 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
78130 without 26 · national office
$126.92
Red-cell survival, erythrocyte lifespan
78130-26 · Professional component
$23.71
Pays only the interpretation and report.
How 78130 has changed in Salinas, CA
78130 · Office / nonfacility
$143.13
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $6.31 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $136.82 to $143.13 (4.6%).
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
$136.82changed to$143.13
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 0.61 changed to 0.59
- Practice expense RVU 3.06 changed to 3.14
- Malpractice RVU 0.06 changed to 0.07
- Work GPCI 1.035 changed to 1.031
- Practice expense GPCI 1.165 changed to 1.159
- Malpractice GPCI 0.560 changed to 0.536
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$140.21changed to$136.82
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 3.04 changed to 3.06
- Malpractice RVU 0.07 changed to 0.06
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$137.92changed to$140.21
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$140.28changed to$137.92
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 3.01 changed to 3.04
- Work GPCI 1.050 changed to 1.035
- Practice expense GPCI 1.149 changed to 1.165
- Malpractice GPCI 0.579 changed to 0.560
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$142.90changed to$140.28
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 3.04 changed to 3.01
- Malpractice RVU 0.06 changed to 0.07
- Work GPCI 1.064 changed to 1.050
- Practice expense GPCI 1.133 changed to 1.149
- Malpractice GPCI 0.597 changed to 0.579
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$142.39changed to$142.90
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 3.03 changed to 3.04
- Work GPCI 1.058 changed to 1.064
- Practice expense GPCI 1.122 changed to 1.133
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$141.58changed to$142.39
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 2.92 changed to 3.03
- Work GPCI 1.051 changed to 1.058
- Practice expense GPCI 1.112 changed to 1.122
- Malpractice GPCI 0.580 changed to 0.597
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$138.64changed to$141.58
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 2.90 changed to 2.92
- Malpractice RVU 0.05 changed to 0.06
- Work GPCI 1.026 changed to 1.051
- Practice expense GPCI 1.101 changed to 1.112
- Malpractice GPCI 0.562 changed to 0.580
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$154.01changed to$138.64
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 3.32 changed to 2.90
- Work GPCI 1.024 changed to 1.026
- Practice expense GPCI 1.092 changed to 1.101
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$187.75changed to$154.01
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense RVU 4.22 changed to 3.32
- Malpractice RVU 0.06 changed to 0.05
- Practice expense GPCI 1.083 changed to 1.092
- Malpractice GPCI 0.610 changed to 0.562
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
No ratechanged to$187.75
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
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.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $143.13 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $143.13 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $143.13 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $143.13 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $136.82 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $136.82 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $136.82 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $136.82 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $140.21 | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $140.21 | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $140.21 | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $140.21 | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $137.92 | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $140.28 | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $140.28 | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $140.28 | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $140.28 | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $142.90 | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $142.90 | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $142.90 | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $142.90 | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $142.39 | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $142.39 | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $142.39 | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $142.39 | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $141.58 | Not available in this setting | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $141.58 | Not available in this setting | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $141.58 | Not available in this setting | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $141.58 | Not available in this setting | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $138.64 | Not available in this setting | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $138.64 | Not available in this setting | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $138.64 | Not available in this setting | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $138.64 | Not available in this setting | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $154.01 | Not available in this setting | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $154.01 | Not available in this setting | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $154.01 | Not available in this setting | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $154.01 | Not available in this setting | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $187.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $187.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $187.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $187.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | Rate data unavailable | 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 Salinas, CA rate applies
Salinas, CA is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 30 cities and communities in California. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
78130 billing questions
How is 78130 different from a red-cell mass study?
78130 evaluates how long circulating red cells survive. Red-cell mass testing measures the amount of red-cell volume rather than cell lifespan.
When should modifier 26 or TC be used?
Use modifier 26 for the physician’s interpretation and report, and TC for the technical service. Report the global service without either modifier when both components are billed together.
Does 78130 include a red-cell sequestration study?
The survival assessment and sequestration assessment address different findings. Report 78130 for the survival work performed; the documentation should identify any separately performed sequestration study.
What documentation supports reporting 78130?
Document the red-cell labeling and administration, the survival assessment, and the interpretation. The record should establish that the test evaluates red-cell lifespan rather than mass alone.
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
Fee sheets
Put 78130 and the rest of your codes on one sheet
Build a fee sheet from your own code list at your locality, put your payer contracts beside Medicare, and see what changed each quarter.
Build my fee sheetOr price your code list free →