CPT code 93018: Stress test interpretation, interpretation and report only2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Connecticut

Physician interpretation and written report of an exercise or pharmacologic cardiovascular stress test, reported when the billing physician provides the reading rather than the complete test.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality883.4K Medicare services in 2024

In Connecticut, Medicare pays $14.24 for 93018 in the office and $14.24 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.

$14.24Office (non-facility)
$14.24Hospital or facility
+4.0%vs the national office rate ($13.69)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 93018 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 93018 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in Connecticut
  2. What 93018 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 93018 covers

This service involves reviewing ECG tracings, heart rate and blood pressure responses, symptoms, arrhythmias, and ST-segment changes recorded during a treadmill, bicycle, or pharmacologic stress test, then issuing a signed report. The report addresses ischemic findings and a conclusion, along with exercise capacity and the reason for stopping when exercise is used. Cardiologists commonly interpret stress tests performed in hospital outpatient departments or other facilities. One physician may supervise the test while a different physician interprets it.

CMS designates 93018 as a professional-component-only code for the interpretation and report. When separately billed, the equipment, staff, and tracing are represented by 93017, rather than 93018. Because 93018 already identifies the professional service, modifier 26 is not appended. A physician who both supervises and interprets a facility test may report 93016 with 93018. When one billing entity provides supervision, tracing, and interpretation, report the complete stress test with 93015 instead. Documentation should include the interpreting physician's signed findings and conclusion.

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 Connecticut compares for 93018

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 93018 runs from $13.01 in Arkansas to $18.63 in Alaska. Connecticut pays $14.24. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

93018 in Connecticut vs other payment areas
  1. Connecticut · this page$14.24
  2. Los Angeles, CA · California$14.65+$0.41
  3. Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$14.91+$0.67
  4. Miami, FL · Florida$14.36+$0.12
  5. Chicago, IL · Illinois$14.21−$0.03
  6. Manhattan, NY · New York$15.11+$0.87
  7. Alaska · Alaska$18.63+$4.39

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

Every other payment area

93018 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
AlabamaAlabama$13.09$13.09
ArkansasArkansas$13.01$13.01
ArizonaArizona$13.53$13.53
Bakersfield, CACalifornia$14.10$14.10
Chico, CACalifornia$14.06$14.06
El Centro, CACalifornia$14.06$14.06
Fresno, CACalifornia$14.06$14.06
Hanford, CACalifornia$14.06$14.06

93018 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.

$13.01

$18.63

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

View every state and territory as a table
93018 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$18.631
AL$13.091
AR$13.011
AZ$13.531
CA$14.06–$16.2329
CO$13.971
CT$14.241
DC$14.911
DE$13.661
FL$13.70–$14.363
GA$13.36–$13.852
GU$14.061
HI$14.061
IA$13.181
ID$13.221
IL$13.56–$14.214
IN$13.251
KS$13.181
KY$13.261
LA$13.26–$13.522
MA$13.98–$14.772
MD$13.81–$14.913
ME$13.27–$13.542
MI$13.42–$13.792
MN$13.571
MO$13.18–$13.523
MS$13.101
MT$13.691
NC$13.331
ND$13.501
NE$13.201
NH$13.801
NJ$14.45–$14.922
NM$13.461
NV$13.641
NY$13.41–$15.295
OH$13.381
OK$13.231
OR$13.58–$14.172
PA$13.37–$14.082
PR$13.731
RI$13.961
SC$13.371
SD$13.471
TN$13.211
TX$13.34–$13.898
UT$13.441
VA$13.53–$14.912
VI$13.731
VT$13.491
WA$13.94–$14.952
WI$13.311
WV$13.361
WY$13.611

See 93018 in every payment locality

How the 93018 rate is calculated

Each of 93018’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 · 93018

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work0.29

0.29 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense0.11

0.11 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.01

0.01 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

0.4100

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$13.69

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

The exact Connecticut inputs and CMS source lines

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

11,939

Code
93018
Physician work
0.29
Practice expense
0.11
Malpractice
0.01

GPCI2026.csv

38

Locality
Connecticut
Physician work
1.020
Practice expense
1.077
Malpractice
1.210
Office calculation for 93018 in Connecticut
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work0.29× 1.0200.2958
Practice expense0.11× 1.0770.1185
Malpractice0.01× 1.2100.0121
Total RVUs0.4264
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, Connecticut$14.24

Office: (0.29 × 1.02 + 0.11 × 1.077 + 0.01 × 1.21) × $33.4009 = $14.24

Facility: (0.29 × 1.02 + 0.11 × 1.077 + 0.01 × 1.21) × $33.4009 = $14.24

Open 93018 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 93018

The CMS indicators that decide how 93018 is paid alongside other services.

CMS payment indicators · 93018

Stress test interpretation, interpretation and report 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/technical2Professional component only.

How 93018 has changed in Connecticut

93018 · Office / nonfacility

$14.24

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $0.05 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $14.19 to $14.24 (0.4%).

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

    $14.19changed to$14.24

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 0.30 changed to 0.29
    • Work GPCI 1.022 changed to 1.020
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.091 changed to 1.077
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.207 changed to 1.210

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $14.24changed to$14.19

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 0.10 changed to 0.11

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $14.01changed to$14.24

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $14.57changed to$14.01

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Work GPCI 1.030 changed to 1.022
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.102 changed to 1.091
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.070 changed to 1.207
  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $15.33changed to$14.57

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 0.11 changed to 0.10
    • Work GPCI 1.037 changed to 1.030
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.114 changed to 1.102
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.934 changed to 1.070

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $15.46changed to$15.33

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $15.95changed to$15.46

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Work GPCI 1.029 changed to 1.037
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.113 changed to 1.114
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.094 changed to 0.934

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    $15.90changed to$15.95

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Work GPCI 1.021 changed to 1.029
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.112 changed to 1.113
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.255 changed to 1.094

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $15.88changed to$15.90

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $15.87changed to$15.88

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Work GPCI 1.023 changed to 1.021
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.117 changed to 1.112
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.244 changed to 1.255

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    $15.45changed to$15.87

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Practice expense RVU 0.10 changed to 0.11
    • Work GPCI 1.024 changed to 1.023
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.121 changed to 1.117
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.232 changed to 1.244

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2016

    RVU16A

    $15.51changed to$15.45

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $15.43changed to$15.51

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $15.44changed to$15.43

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.116 changed to 1.121
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.234 changed to 1.232

    Held through RVU15B.

  15. January 1, 2014

    RVU14A

    $15.03changed to$15.44

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Practice expense RVU 0.11 changed to 0.10
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.110 changed to 1.116
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.235 changed to 1.234

    Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.

  16. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: $15.03

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$14.24$14.24RVU26D
2026-07-01$14.24$14.24RVU26C
2026-04-01$14.24$14.24RVU26B
2026-01-01$14.24$14.24RVU26A
2025-10-01$14.19$14.19RVU25D
2025-07-01$14.19$14.19RVU25C
2025-04-01$14.19$14.19RVU25B
2025-01-01$14.19$14.19RVU25A
2024-10-01$14.24$14.24RVU24D
2024-07-01$14.24$14.24RVU24C
2024-04-01$14.24$14.24RVU24B
2024-03-09$14.24$14.24RVU24AR
2024-01-01$14.01$14.01RVU24A
2023-10-01$14.57$14.57RVU23D
2023-07-01$14.57$14.57RVU23C
2023-04-01$14.57$14.57RVU23B
2023-01-01$14.57$14.57RVU23A
2022-10-01$15.33$15.33RVU22D
2022-07-01$15.33$15.33RVU22C
2022-04-01$15.33$15.33RVU22B
2022-01-01$15.33$15.33RVU22A
2021-10-01$15.46$15.46RVU21D
2021-07-01$15.46$15.46RVU21C
2021-04-01$15.46$15.46RVU21B
2021-01-01$15.46$15.46RVU21A
2020-10-01$15.95$15.95RVU20D
2020-07-01$15.95$15.95RVU20C
2020-04-01$15.95$15.95RVU20B
2020-01-01$15.95$15.95RVU20A
2019-10-01$15.90$15.90RVU19D
2019-07-01$15.90$15.90RVU19C
2019-04-01$15.90$15.90RVU19B
2019-01-01$15.90$15.90RVU19A
2018-10-01$15.88$15.88RVU18D
2018-07-01$15.88$15.88RVU18C
2018-04-01$15.88$15.88RVU18B
2018-01-01$15.88$15.88RVU18AR1
2017-10-01$15.87$15.87RVU17D
2017-07-01$15.87$15.87RVU17C
2017-04-01$15.87$15.87RVU17B
2017-01-01$15.87$15.87RVU17A
2016-10-01$15.45$15.45RVU16D
2016-07-01$15.45$15.45RVU16C
2016-04-01$15.45$15.45RVU16B
2016-01-01$15.45$15.45RVU16A
2015-10-01$15.51$15.51RVU15D
2015-07-01$15.51$15.51RVU15C
2015-04-01$15.43$15.43RVU15B
2015-01-01$15.43$15.43RVU15A
2014-10-01$15.44$15.44RVU14D
2014-07-01$15.44$15.44RVU14C
2014-04-01$15.44$15.44RVU14B
2014-01-01$15.44$15.44RVU14A
2013-10-01$15.03$15.03RVU13D
2013-07-01$15.03$15.03RVU13C
2013-04-01$15.03$15.03RVU13B
2013-01-01$15.03$15.03RVU13AR

Price 93018 for an earlier date of service

Where the Connecticut rate applies

Connecticut is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 215 cities and communities in Connecticut. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

  • Ansonia
  • Ball Pond
  • Baltic
  • Bantam
  • Bethel
  • Bethlehem Village
  • Bigelow Corners
  • Blue Hills

Browse all communities in Connecticut

93018 billing questions

Should modifier 26 be added to this code?

No. The code itself identifies the interpretation and report, so modifier 26 is not used.

When is the global stress test code used instead of this one?

Report 93015 when the billing entity provides supervision, tracing, and interpretation, often in an office that supplies the equipment. Report 93018 when billing only for the interpretation and report.

Can the same physician bill supervision and interpretation separately?

Yes. For a facility test, a physician who both supervises and interprets it may report 93016 and 93018, while the facility provides the tracing.

Is this reported with nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging?

It may be reported alongside myocardial perfusion imaging when the stress ECG interpretation is performed and documented separately. Interpretation of the perfusion images is a distinct service.

Is it separately reportable with a stress echocardiogram?

It depends on the echocardiography code and services provided. With 93350, the stress ECG interpretation may be reported separately; 93351 includes the stress test supervision, ECG monitoring, interpretation, and report.

What documentation supports this code?

A signed report should reflect the physician's review of the tracings and hemodynamic data, relevant ST changes or arrhythmias, exercise tolerance when applicable, and a clinical conclusion.

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 93018PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 11,939 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for ConnecticutGPCI2026.csv, line 38 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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