CPT code 78278: GI bleeding scan, acute blood loss2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in New Mexico
Nuclear medicine imaging tracks suspected active gastrointestinal bleeding to help localize blood loss, including bleeding that may occur intermittently.
In New Mexico, Medicare pays $283.89 for 78278 in the office.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 78278 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 78278 covers
This study uses nuclear medicine imaging to look for and localize active blood loss into the gastrointestinal tract. A common approach uses the patient’s radiolabeled red blood cells, with serial imaging to follow suspected bleeding over time. It is typically performed in a nuclear medicine department for patients with suspected acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage, including cases in which bleeding is intermittent and localization is needed to guide care. A nuclear medicine physician or radiologist interprets the images; technologists perform the imaging and related technical work.
Report 78278 for imaging directed at acute GI blood loss, rather than a study aimed at another question such as gastric emptying or intestinal protein loss. The record should support the bleeding indication and include the study and interpretation. CMS recognizes professional and technical components: report modifier 26 for the interpretation, modifier TC for equipment and staff, or no component modifier for the global service. Serial images within the study do not represent separate services.
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 New Mexico compares for 78278
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 78278 runs from $265.95 in Arkansas to $426.92 in San Benito County, CA. New Mexico pays $283.89. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- New Mexico · this page$283.89
- Los Angeles, CA · California$355.21+$71.32
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$355.78+$71.89
- Miami, FL · Florida$321.79+$37.90
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$311.52+$27.63
- Manhattan, NY · New York$353.37+$69.48
- Alaska · Alaska$337.86+$53.97
Other areas in New Mexico first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $270.43 | — |
| ArkansasArkansas | $265.95 | — |
| ArizonaArizona | $296.77 | — |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $330.84 | — |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $330.53 | — |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $330.54 | — |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $330.53 | — |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $330.53 | — |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $330.53 | — |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $330.53 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $330.53 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $391.84 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $354.38 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $330.53 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $330.53 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $331.62 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $349.23 | — |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $347.98 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $357.96 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $417.54 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $417.43 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $426.92 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $426.45 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $342.13 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $362.77 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $349.78 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $366.57 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $330.53 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $391.67 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $330.53 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $330.53 | — |
| ColoradoColorado | $322.55 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $327.75 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $302.20 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $311.83 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $295.42 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $310.70 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $277.11 | — |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $341.19 | — |
| IowaIowa | $280.66 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $282.27 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $287.41 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $284.02 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $315.71 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $284.20 | — |
| KansasKansas | $278.05 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $275.38 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $290.15 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $274.44 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $358.94 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $319.76 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $326.63 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $308.91 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $282.77 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $301.96 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $298.46 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $282.57 | — |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $311.09 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $289.08 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $292.67 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $268.29 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $267.23 | — |
| MontanaMontana | $305.61 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $286.33 | — |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $303.63 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $282.76 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $316.27 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $351.07 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $332.07 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $305.33 | — |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $361.56 | — |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $333.42 | — |
| Queens, NYNew York | $358.29 | — |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $291.13 | — |
| OhioOhio | $282.17 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $276.00 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $335.24 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $303.55 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $317.91 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $283.30 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $308.54 | — |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $314.78 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $284.61 | — |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $303.40 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $279.51 | — |
| Austin, TXTexas | $320.96 | — |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $281.09 | — |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $302.71 | — |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $304.36 | — |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $301.70 | — |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $303.41 | — |
| Houston, TXTexas | $305.24 | — |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $291.53 | — |
| UtahUtah | $289.08 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $300.05 | — |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $308.54 | — |
| VermontVermont | $301.27 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $319.54 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $367.89 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $291.97 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $271.70 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $304.75 | — |
78278 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.
$265.95
$378.73
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 | $337.86 | 1 |
| AL | $270.43 | 1 |
| AR | $265.95 | 1 |
| AZ | $296.77 | 1 |
| CA | $330.53–$426.92 | 29 |
| CO | $322.55 | 1 |
| CT | $327.75 | 1 |
| DC | $355.78 | 1 |
| DE | $302.20 | 1 |
| FL | $295.42–$321.79 | 3 |
| GA | $277.11–$310.70 | 2 |
| GU | $341.19 | 1 |
| HI | $341.19 | 1 |
| IA | $280.66 | 1 |
| ID | $282.27 | 1 |
| IL | $284.02–$315.71 | 4 |
| IN | $284.20 | 1 |
| KS | $278.05 | 1 |
| KY | $275.38 | 1 |
| LA | $274.44–$290.15 | 2 |
| MA | $319.76–$358.94 | 2 |
| MD | $308.91–$355.78 | 3 |
| ME | $282.77–$301.96 | 2 |
| MI | $282.57–$298.46 | 2 |
| MN | $311.09 | 1 |
| MO | $268.29–$292.67 | 3 |
| MS | $267.23 | 1 |
| MT | $305.61 | 1 |
| NC | $286.33 | 1 |
| ND | $303.63 | 1 |
| NE | $282.76 | 1 |
| NH | $316.27 | 1 |
| NJ | $332.07–$351.07 | 2 |
| NM | $283.89 | 1 |
| NV | $305.33 | 1 |
| NY | $291.13–$361.56 | 5 |
| OH | $282.17 | 1 |
| OK | $276.00 | 1 |
| OR | $303.55–$335.24 | 2 |
| PA | $283.30–$317.91 | 2 |
| PR | $308.54 | 1 |
| RI | $314.78 | 1 |
| SC | $284.61 | 1 |
| SD | $303.40 | 1 |
| TN | $279.51 | 1 |
| TX | $281.09–$320.96 | 8 |
| UT | $289.08 | 1 |
| VA | $300.05–$355.78 | 2 |
| VI | $308.54 | 1 |
| VT | $301.27 | 1 |
| WA | $319.54–$367.89 | 2 |
| WI | $291.97 | 1 |
| WV | $271.70 | 1 |
| WY | $304.75 | 1 |
How the 78278 rate is calculated
Each of 78278’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 · 78278
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work0.97
0.97 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense8.08
8.08 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.10
0.10 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
9.1500
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$305.62
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact New Mexico inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
9,304
- Code
- 78278
- Physician work
- 0.97
- Practice expense
- 8.08
- Malpractice
- 0.10
GPCI2026.csv
77
- Locality
- New Mexico
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 0.917
- Malpractice
- 1.201
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 0.97 | × 1.000 | 0.9700 |
| Practice expense | 8.08 | × 0.917 | 7.4094 |
| Malpractice | 0.10 | × 1.201 | 0.1201 |
| Total RVUs | 8.4995 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, New Mexico$283.89
Office: (0.97 × 1 + 8.08 × 0.917 + 0.1 × 1.201) × $33.4009 = $283.89
Payment rules and modifiers for 78278
The CMS indicators that decide how 78278 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 78278
GI bleeding scan, acute blood loss
| 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
78278 without 26 · national office
$305.62
GI bleeding scan, acute blood loss
78278-26 · Professional component
$45.09
Pays only the interpretation and report.
How 78278 has changed in New Mexico
78278 · Office / nonfacility
$283.89
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $4.97 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $278.92 to $283.89 (1.8%).
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
$278.92changed to$283.89
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 0.99 changed to 0.97
- Practice expense RVU 8.29 changed to 8.08
- Malpractice RVU 0.09 changed to 0.10
- Practice expense GPCI 0.908 changed to 0.917
- Malpractice GPCI 1.172 changed to 1.201
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$292.95changed to$278.92
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 8.46 changed to 8.29
- Malpractice RVU 0.11 changed to 0.09
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$288.17changed to$292.95
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$301.12changed to$288.17
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 8.65 changed to 8.46
- Malpractice RVU 0.08 changed to 0.11
- Practice expense GPCI 0.902 changed to 0.908
- Malpractice GPCI 1.169 changed to 1.172
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$310.13changed to$301.12
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 8.78 changed to 8.65
- Malpractice RVU 0.09 changed to 0.08
- Practice expense GPCI 0.896 changed to 0.902
- Malpractice GPCI 1.166 changed to 1.169
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$324.59changed to$310.13
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 9.16 changed to 8.78
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$331.08changed to$324.59
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 8.88 changed to 9.16
- Malpractice RVU 0.10 changed to 0.09
- Practice expense GPCI 0.908 changed to 0.896
- Malpractice GPCI 1.207 changed to 1.166
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$337.79changed to$331.08
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 8.98 changed to 8.88
- Malpractice RVU 0.09 changed to 0.10
- Practice expense GPCI 0.921 changed to 0.908
- Malpractice GPCI 1.247 changed to 1.207
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$343.05changed to$337.79
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 9.15 changed to 8.98
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$340.21changed to$343.05
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense RVU 9.11 changed to 9.15
- Practice expense GPCI 0.920 changed to 0.921
- Malpractice GPCI 1.204 changed to 1.247
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$338.29changed to$340.21
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Practice expense RVU 9.09 changed to 9.11
- Practice expense GPCI 0.919 changed to 0.920
- Malpractice GPCI 1.161 changed to 1.204
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$338.60changed to$338.29
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
- Practice expense RVU 9.05 changed to 9.09
- Malpractice RVU 0.10 changed to 0.09
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$336.92changed to$338.60
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$330.58changed to$336.92
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense RVU 8.88 changed to 9.05
- Malpractice RVU 0.08 changed to 0.10
- Practice expense GPCI 0.918 changed to 0.919
- Malpractice GPCI 1.079 changed to 1.161
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
No ratechanged to$330.58
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 | $283.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $283.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $283.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $283.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $278.92 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $278.92 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $278.92 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $278.92 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $292.95 | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $292.95 | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $292.95 | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $292.95 | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $288.17 | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $301.12 | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $301.12 | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $301.12 | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $301.12 | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $310.13 | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $310.13 | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $310.13 | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $310.13 | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $324.59 | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $324.59 | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $324.59 | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $324.59 | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $331.08 | Not available in this setting | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $331.08 | Not available in this setting | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $331.08 | Not available in this setting | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $331.08 | Not available in this setting | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $337.79 | Not available in this setting | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $337.79 | Not available in this setting | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $337.79 | Not available in this setting | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $337.79 | Not available in this setting | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $343.05 | Not available in this setting | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $343.05 | Not available in this setting | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $343.05 | Not available in this setting | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $343.05 | Not available in this setting | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $340.21 | Not available in this setting | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $340.21 | Not available in this setting | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $340.21 | Not available in this setting | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $340.21 | Not available in this setting | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $338.29 | Not available in this setting | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $338.29 | Not available in this setting | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $338.29 | Not available in this setting | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $338.29 | Not available in this setting | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $338.60 | Not available in this setting | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $338.60 | Not available in this setting | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $336.92 | Not available in this setting | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $336.92 | Not available in this setting | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $330.58 | Not available in this setting | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $330.58 | Not available in this setting | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $330.58 | Not available in this setting | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $330.58 | Not available in this setting | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU13AR |
Where the New Mexico rate applies
New Mexico is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 528 cities and communities in New Mexico. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Abeytas
- Abiquiu
- Acomita Lake
- Adelino
- Agua Fria
- Alamillo
- Alamo
- Alamogordo
78278 billing questions
When should 78278 be selected instead of intestine imaging?
Use 78278 when the imaging is directed at locating suspected gastrointestinal blood loss. Intestinal imaging such as 78290 addresses a different diagnostic question.
Can the interpretation and imaging be billed separately?
Yes. Modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation, and modifier TC identifies the technical service. Without either modifier, the claim represents the global service.
Are serial images separate units?
No. Serial images used to follow possible bleeding are part of the imaging study, not separate services.
What documentation supports reporting 78278?
Document the suspected acute GI bleeding indication and the imaging performed to detect or localize blood loss. The interpretation should describe the findings relevant to that question.
Is a radiopharmaceutical code commonly reported with this study?
The radiolabeled red blood cell supply may be reported separately when applicable; A9560 identifies technetium Tc-99m labeled red blood cells.
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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