CPT code 78708: Renal imaging, pharmacologic intervention2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in El Centro, CA
A renal nuclear medicine study combining perfusion and function imaging with a pharmacologic challenge to assess drainage or functional response.
In El Centro, CA, Medicare pays $183.74 for 78708 in the office.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 78708 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 78708 covers
A renal renogram uses a radiotracer and serial imaging to assess blood flow, relative renal function, and tracer washout after a pharmacologic challenge. Common situations include evaluating suspected urinary obstruction with delayed drainage or assessing renal response to an ACE inhibitor, such as captopril. A nuclear medicine physician or radiologist interprets images acquired in a hospital or outpatient nuclear medicine department; technologists perform the imaging, and the drug challenge is part of the study.
Select this code when the renal flow-and-function imaging includes a pharmacologic intervention. Document the clinical indication, intervention, imaging performed, and interpretation. Use 78707 for the corresponding study without a drug intervention; 78709 describes studies involving multiple pharmacologic interventions. CMS allows the professional component with modifier 26, the technical component with modifier TC, or the global service without either modifier.
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 El Centro, CA compares for 78708
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 78708 runs from $152.34 in Arkansas to $232.11 in San Benito County, CA. El Centro, CA pays $183.74. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- El Centro, CA · this page$183.74
- Bakersfield, CA · California$184.07+$0.33
- Chico, CA · California$183.72−$0.02
- Fresno, CA · California$183.72−$0.02
- Hanford, CA · California$183.72−$0.02
- Los Angeles, CA · California$196.38+$12.64
- Madera, CA · California$183.72−$0.02
Other areas in California first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Merced, CACalifornia | $183.72 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $183.72 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $214.13 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $195.59 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $183.72 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $183.72 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $184.93 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $193.13 | — |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $192.42 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $197.18 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $227.10 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $226.98 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $232.11 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $231.60 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $189.28 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $199.26 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $193.20 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $201.30 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $183.72 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $213.95 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $183.72 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $183.72 | — |
| Washington, DC areaDistrict of Columbia | $197.90 | — |
| Miami, FLFlorida | $183.27 | — |
| Chicago, ILIllinois | $178.03 | — |
| Manhattan, NYNew York | $197.96 | — |
| AlaskaAlaska | $198.81 | — |
| AlabamaAlabama | $154.60 | — |
| ArkansasArkansas | $152.34 | — |
| ArizonaArizona | $167.81 | — |
| ColoradoColorado | $180.29 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $183.86 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $170.62 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $177.00 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $168.51 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $175.27 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $159.09 | — |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $188.51 | — |
| IowaIowa | $159.15 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $160.07 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $165.73 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $163.17 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $178.95 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $161.02 | — |
| KansasKansas | $158.12 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $157.69 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $165.22 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $157.33 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $198.64 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $179.08 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $183.29 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $173.99 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $160.62 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $169.83 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $170.34 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $161.58 | — |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $173.51 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $164.38 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $166.15 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $154.42 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $153.42 | — |
| MontanaMontana | $172.34 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $162.36 | — |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $170.17 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $160.11 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $177.19 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $195.76 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $186.17 | — |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $162.36 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $171.86 | — |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $202.45 | — |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $187.17 | — |
| Queens, NYNew York | $200.02 | — |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $164.79 | — |
| OhioOhio | $161.13 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $157.70 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $186.39 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $170.74 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $179.07 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $161.55 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $173.72 | — |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $176.97 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $161.97 | — |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $169.91 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $158.88 | — |
| Austin, TXTexas | $179.51 | — |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $160.45 | — |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $170.69 | — |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $171.66 | — |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $170.42 | — |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $171.13 | — |
| Houston, TXTexas | $173.14 | — |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $165.40 | — |
| UtahUtah | $164.22 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $169.07 | — |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $173.72 | — |
| VermontVermont | $169.24 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $178.83 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $202.99 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $164.38 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $157.00 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $171.39 | — |
78708 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.
$152.34
$207.92
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 | $198.81 | 1 |
| AL | $154.60 | 1 |
| AR | $152.34 | 1 |
| AZ | $167.81 | 1 |
| CA | $183.72–$232.11 | 29 |
| CO | $180.29 | 1 |
| CT | $183.86 | 1 |
| DC | $197.90 | 1 |
| DE | $170.62 | 1 |
| FL | $168.51–$183.27 | 3 |
| GA | $159.09–$175.27 | 2 |
| GU | $188.51 | 1 |
| HI | $188.51 | 1 |
| IA | $159.15 | 1 |
| ID | $160.07 | 1 |
| IL | $163.17–$178.95 | 4 |
| IN | $161.02 | 1 |
| KS | $158.12 | 1 |
| KY | $157.69 | 1 |
| LA | $157.33–$165.22 | 2 |
| MA | $179.08–$198.64 | 2 |
| MD | $173.99–$197.90 | 3 |
| ME | $160.62–$169.83 | 2 |
| MI | $161.58–$170.34 | 2 |
| MN | $173.51 | 1 |
| MO | $154.42–$166.15 | 3 |
| MS | $153.42 | 1 |
| MT | $172.34 | 1 |
| NC | $162.36 | 1 |
| ND | $170.17 | 1 |
| NE | $160.11 | 1 |
| NH | $177.19 | 1 |
| NJ | $186.17–$195.76 | 2 |
| NM | $162.36 | 1 |
| NV | $171.86 | 1 |
| NY | $164.79–$202.45 | 5 |
| OH | $161.13 | 1 |
| OK | $157.70 | 1 |
| OR | $170.74–$186.39 | 2 |
| PA | $161.55–$179.07 | 2 |
| PR | $173.72 | 1 |
| RI | $176.97 | 1 |
| SC | $161.97 | 1 |
| SD | $169.91 | 1 |
| TN | $158.88 | 1 |
| TX | $160.45–$179.51 | 8 |
| UT | $164.22 | 1 |
| VA | $169.07–$197.90 | 2 |
| VI | $173.72 | 1 |
| VT | $169.24 | 1 |
| WA | $178.83–$202.99 | 2 |
| WI | $164.38 | 1 |
| WV | $157.00 | 1 |
| WY | $171.39 | 1 |
How the 78708 rate is calculated
Each of 78708’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 · 78708
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work1.18
1.18 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense3.87
3.87 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.11
0.11 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
5.1600
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$172.35
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact El Centro, CA inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
9,491
- Code
- 78708
- Physician work
- 1.18
- Practice expense
- 3.87
- Malpractice
- 0.11
GPCI2026.csv
10
- Locality
- El Centro, CA
- Physician work
- 1.017
- Practice expense
- 1.096
- Malpractice
- 0.541
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 1.18 | × 1.017 | 1.2001 |
| Practice expense | 3.87 | × 1.096 | 4.2415 |
| Malpractice | 0.11 | × 0.541 | 0.0595 |
| Total RVUs | 5.5011 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, El Centro, CA$183.74
Office: (1.18 × 1.017 + 3.87 × 1.096 + 0.11 × 0.541) × $33.4009 = $183.74
Payment rules and modifiers for 78708
The CMS indicators that decide how 78708 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 78708
Renal imaging, pharmacologic intervention
| 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
78708 without 26 · national office
$172.35
Renal imaging, pharmacologic intervention
78708-26 · Professional component
$54.11
Pays only the interpretation and report.
How 78708 has changed in El Centro, CA
78708 · Office / nonfacility
$183.74
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $2.04 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $181.70 to $183.74 (1.1%).
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
$181.70changed to$183.74
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 1.21 changed to 1.18
- Practice expense RVU 3.97 changed to 3.87
- Malpractice RVU 0.09 changed to 0.11
- Work GPCI 1.014 changed to 1.017
- Practice expense GPCI 1.093 changed to 1.096
- Malpractice GPCI 0.570 changed to 0.541
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$186.09changed to$181.70
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 3.94 changed to 3.97
- Malpractice RVU 0.10 changed to 0.09
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$183.05changed to$186.09
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$186.44changed to$183.05
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 3.91 changed to 3.94
- Malpractice RVU 0.08 changed to 0.10
- Work GPCI 1.021 changed to 1.014
- Practice expense GPCI 1.079 changed to 1.093
- Malpractice GPCI 0.595 changed to 0.570
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$187.78changed to$186.44
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 3.87 changed to 3.91
- Malpractice RVU 0.10 changed to 0.08
- Work GPCI 1.027 changed to 1.021
- Practice expense GPCI 1.065 changed to 1.079
- Malpractice GPCI 0.620 changed to 0.595
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$189.70changed to$187.78
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 3.88 changed to 3.87
- Malpractice GPCI 0.616 changed to 0.620
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$191.71changed to$189.70
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 3.75 changed to 3.88
- Work GPCI 1.024 changed to 1.027
- Practice expense GPCI 1.070 changed to 1.065
- Malpractice GPCI 0.606 changed to 0.616
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$192.84changed to$191.71
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 3.78 changed to 3.75
- Work GPCI 1.020 changed to 1.024
- Practice expense GPCI 1.074 changed to 1.070
- Malpractice GPCI 0.570 changed to 0.606
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$194.17changed to$192.84
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 3.82 changed to 3.78
- Malpractice GPCI 0.567 changed to 0.570
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$194.58changed to$194.17
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Work GPCI 1.024 changed to 1.020
- Practice expense GPCI 1.079 changed to 1.074
- Malpractice GPCI 0.610 changed to 0.567
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
No ratechanged to$194.58
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 | $183.74 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $183.74 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $183.74 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $183.74 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $181.70 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $181.70 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $181.70 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $181.70 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $186.09 | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $186.09 | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $186.09 | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $186.09 | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $183.05 | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $186.44 | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $186.44 | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $186.44 | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $186.44 | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $187.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $187.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $187.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $187.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $189.70 | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $189.70 | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $189.70 | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $189.70 | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $191.71 | Not available in this setting | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $191.71 | Not available in this setting | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $191.71 | Not available in this setting | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $191.71 | Not available in this setting | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $192.84 | Not available in this setting | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $192.84 | Not available in this setting | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $192.84 | Not available in this setting | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $192.84 | Not available in this setting | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $194.17 | Not available in this setting | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $194.17 | Not available in this setting | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $194.17 | Not available in this setting | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $194.17 | Not available in this setting | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $194.58 | Not available in this setting | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $194.58 | Not available in this setting | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $194.58 | Not available in this setting | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $194.58 | 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 El Centro, CA rate applies
El Centro, CA is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 18 cities and communities in California. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- El Centro
- Bombay Beach
- Brawley
- Calexico
- Calipatria
- Desert Shores
- El Centro Naval Air Facility
- Heber
78708 billing questions
How does 78708 differ from 78707?
78708 describes renal flow-and-function imaging performed with a pharmacologic intervention. Use 78707 when the study is performed without one.
When is 78709 more appropriate?
78709 is the related code for a renal flow-and-function study involving multiple pharmacologic interventions. 78708 describes the study with a pharmacologic intervention.
Can the professional and technical portions be billed separately?
Yes. Report modifier 26 for the interpretation and report modifier TC for the equipment and staff portion. Without either modifier, the claim represents the global service.
What documentation supports reporting 78708?
Document the reason for the study, the pharmacologic intervention used, the imaging performed, and the interpreting clinician’s findings.
Is this the same as a non-imaging renal function study?
No. 78708 describes renal flow-and-function imaging with a pharmacologic intervention; 78725 is a renal function study without imaging.
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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