CPT code 93042: Rhythm ECG, interpretation and report only2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in North Carolina
Reports a clinician’s interpretation of a one- to three-lead rhythm ECG when the professional reading is billed separately from tracing acquisition.
In North Carolina, Medicare pays $6.78 for 93042 in the office and $6.78 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 93042 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 93042 covers
93042 represents the interpretation of a limited-lead rhythm ECG, typically a short tracing used to assess heart rate and rhythm, such as when evaluating suspected atrial fibrillation, ectopy, or another arrhythmia. It covers the interpretation and written report for a one- to three-lead rhythm recording, not acquisition of the tracing. Emergency physicians, cardiologists, and other clinicians who interpret ECGs may provide this service in emergency departments, hospitals, or offices.
Report 93042 when documentation supports a rhythm tracing and a corresponding interpretation and report, including the relevant findings and impression. Select it when billing only the professional reading; the technical portion has a separate code. When the same entity provides both tracing and interpretation, 93040 represents the combined rhythm ECG service. CMS classifies 93042 as professional-component-only, so it is not split with modifier 26.
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 North Carolina compares for 93042
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 93042 runs from $6.62 in Arkansas to $9.48 in Alaska. North Carolina pays $6.78. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- North Carolina · this page$6.78
- Los Angeles, CA · California$7.41+$0.63
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$7.62+$0.84
- Miami, FL · Florida$7.59+$0.81
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$7.49+$0.71
- Manhattan, NY · New York$7.80+$1.02
- Alaska · Alaska$9.48+$2.70
Other areas in North Carolina first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $6.66 | $6.66 |
| ArkansasArkansas | $6.62 | $6.62 |
| ArizonaArizona | $6.91 | $6.91 |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $7.14 | $7.14 |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $7.10 | $7.10 |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $7.11 | $7.11 |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $7.10 | $7.10 |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $7.10 | $7.10 |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $7.10 | $7.10 |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $7.10 | $7.10 |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $7.10 | $7.10 |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $7.70 | $7.70 |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $7.33 | $7.33 |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $7.10 | $7.10 |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $7.10 | $7.10 |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $7.22 | $7.22 |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $7.31 | $7.31 |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $7.28 | $7.28 |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $7.34 | $7.34 |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $7.99 | $7.99 |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $7.98 | $7.98 |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $8.15 | $8.15 |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $8.10 | $8.10 |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $7.18 | $7.18 |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $7.32 | $7.32 |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $7.28 | $7.28 |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $7.39 | $7.39 |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $7.10 | $7.10 |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $7.68 | $7.68 |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $7.10 | $7.10 |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $7.10 | $7.10 |
| ColoradoColorado | $7.11 | $7.11 |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $7.31 | $7.31 |
| DelawareDelaware | $6.99 | $6.99 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $7.31 | $7.31 |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $7.11 | $7.11 |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $7.12 | $7.12 |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $6.90 | $6.90 |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $7.10 | $7.10 |
| IowaIowa | $6.67 | $6.67 |
| IdahoIdaho | $6.70 | $6.70 |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $7.22 | $7.22 |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $7.06 | $7.06 |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $7.35 | $7.35 |
| IndianaIndiana | $6.72 | $6.72 |
| KansasKansas | $6.69 | $6.69 |
| KentuckyKentucky | $6.80 | $6.80 |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $6.96 | $6.96 |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $6.81 | $6.81 |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $7.51 | $7.51 |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $7.12 | $7.12 |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $7.30 | $7.30 |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $7.06 | $7.06 |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $6.75 | $6.75 |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $6.88 | $6.88 |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $7.18 | $7.18 |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $6.91 | $6.91 |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $6.83 | $6.83 |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $6.90 | $6.90 |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $6.93 | $6.93 |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $6.78 | $6.78 |
| MississippiMississippi | $6.69 | $6.69 |
| MontanaMontana | $7.01 | $7.01 |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $6.82 | $6.82 |
| NebraskaNebraska | $6.68 | $6.68 |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $7.04 | $7.04 |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $7.62 | $7.62 |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $7.40 | $7.40 |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $6.94 | $6.94 |
| NevadaNevada | $6.96 | $6.96 |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $7.94 | $7.94 |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $7.47 | $7.47 |
| Queens, NYNew York | $7.79 | $7.79 |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $6.83 | $6.83 |
| OhioOhio | $6.87 | $6.87 |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $6.76 | $6.76 |
| Portland, OROregon | $7.19 | $7.19 |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $6.91 | $6.91 |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $7.24 | $7.24 |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $6.86 | $6.86 |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $7.03 | $7.03 |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $7.13 | $7.13 |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $6.84 | $6.84 |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $6.79 | $6.79 |
| TennesseeTennessee | $6.71 | $6.71 |
| Austin, TXTexas | $7.08 | $7.08 |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $6.84 | $6.84 |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $6.97 | $6.97 |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $7.01 | $7.01 |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $6.99 | $6.99 |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $6.99 | $6.99 |
| Houston, TXTexas | $7.17 | $7.17 |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $6.90 | $6.90 |
| UtahUtah | $6.88 | $6.88 |
| VirginiaVirginia | $6.89 | $6.89 |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $7.03 | $7.03 |
| VermontVermont | $6.83 | $6.83 |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $7.09 | $7.09 |
| King County, WAWashington | $7.58 | $7.58 |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $6.71 | $6.71 |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $6.94 | $6.94 |
| WyomingWyoming | $6.93 | $6.93 |
93042 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.
$6.62
$9.48
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 | $9.48 | 1 |
| AL | $6.66 | 1 |
| AR | $6.62 | 1 |
| AZ | $6.91 | 1 |
| CA | $7.10–$8.15 | 29 |
| CO | $7.11 | 1 |
| CT | $7.31 | 1 |
| DC | $7.62 | 1 |
| DE | $6.99 | 1 |
| FL | $7.11–$7.59 | 3 |
| GA | $6.90–$7.12 | 2 |
| GU | $7.10 | 1 |
| HI | $7.10 | 1 |
| IA | $6.67 | 1 |
| ID | $6.70 | 1 |
| IL | $7.06–$7.49 | 4 |
| IN | $6.72 | 1 |
| KS | $6.69 | 1 |
| KY | $6.80 | 1 |
| LA | $6.81–$6.96 | 2 |
| MA | $7.12–$7.51 | 2 |
| MD | $7.06–$7.62 | 3 |
| ME | $6.75–$6.88 | 2 |
| MI | $6.91–$7.18 | 2 |
| MN | $6.83 | 1 |
| MO | $6.78–$6.93 | 3 |
| MS | $6.69 | 1 |
| MT | $7.01 | 1 |
| NC | $6.78 | 1 |
| ND | $6.82 | 1 |
| NE | $6.68 | 1 |
| NH | $7.04 | 1 |
| NJ | $7.40–$7.62 | 2 |
| NM | $6.94 | 1 |
| NV | $6.96 | 1 |
| NY | $6.83–$7.94 | 5 |
| OH | $6.87 | 1 |
| OK | $6.76 | 1 |
| OR | $6.91–$7.19 | 2 |
| PA | $6.86–$7.24 | 2 |
| PR | $7.03 | 1 |
| RI | $7.13 | 1 |
| SC | $6.84 | 1 |
| SD | $6.79 | 1 |
| TN | $6.71 | 1 |
| TX | $6.84–$7.17 | 8 |
| UT | $6.88 | 1 |
| VA | $6.89–$7.62 | 2 |
| VI | $7.03 | 1 |
| VT | $6.83 | 1 |
| WA | $7.09–$7.58 | 2 |
| WI | $6.71 | 1 |
| WV | $6.94 | 1 |
| WY | $6.93 | 1 |
How the 93042 rate is calculated
Each of 93042’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 · 93042
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work0.15
0.15 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense0.05
0.05 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.01
0.01 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
0.2100
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$7.01
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact North Carolina inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
11,948
- Code
- 93042
- Physician work
- 0.15
- Practice expense
- 0.05
- Malpractice
- 0.01
GPCI2026.csv
83
- Locality
- North Carolina
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 0.933
- Malpractice
- 0.639
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 0.15 | × 1.000 | 0.1500 |
| Practice expense | 0.05 | × 0.933 | 0.0467 |
| Malpractice | 0.01 | × 0.639 | 0.0064 |
| Total RVUs | 0.2030 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, North Carolina$6.78
Office: (0.15 × 1 + 0.05 × 0.933 + 0.01 × 0.639) × $33.4009 = $6.78
Facility: (0.15 × 1 + 0.05 × 0.933 + 0.01 × 0.639) × $33.4009 = $6.78
Payment rules and modifiers for 93042
The CMS indicators that decide how 93042 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 93042
Rhythm ECG, interpretation and report only
| 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 | 2 | Professional component only. |
How 93042 has changed in North Carolina
93042 · Office / nonfacility
$6.78
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $0.51 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $6.27 to $6.78 (8.1%).
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
$6.27changed to$6.78
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Practice expense RVU 0.04 changed to 0.05
- Practice expense GPCI 0.926 changed to 0.933
- Malpractice GPCI 0.665 changed to 0.639
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$6.45changed to$6.27
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$6.34changed to$6.45
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$6.59changed to$6.34
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense GPCI 0.927 changed to 0.926
- Malpractice GPCI 0.742 changed to 0.665
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$6.76changed to$6.59
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense GPCI 0.928 changed to 0.927
- Malpractice GPCI 0.819 changed to 0.742
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$6.81changed to$6.76
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$7.03changed to$6.81
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense GPCI 0.930 changed to 0.928
- Malpractice GPCI 0.757 changed to 0.819
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$7.00changed to$7.03
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense GPCI 0.931 changed to 0.930
- Malpractice GPCI 0.695 changed to 0.757
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$6.99changed to$7.00
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$6.98changed to$6.99
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Malpractice GPCI 0.732 changed to 0.695
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$6.98changed to$6.98
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Practice expense GPCI 0.930 changed to 0.931
- Malpractice GPCI 0.768 changed to 0.732
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$7.00changed to$6.98
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$6.97changed to$7.00
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$6.97changed to$6.97
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense GPCI 0.929 changed to 0.930
- Malpractice GPCI 0.732 changed to 0.768
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
$6.92changed to$6.97
- Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
- Practice expense RVU 0.05 changed to 0.04
- Practice expense GPCI 0.927 changed to 0.929
- Malpractice GPCI 0.695 changed to 0.732
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: $6.92
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $6.78 | $6.78 | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $6.78 | $6.78 | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $6.78 | $6.78 | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $6.78 | $6.78 | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $6.27 | $6.27 | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $6.27 | $6.27 | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $6.27 | $6.27 | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $6.27 | $6.27 | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $6.45 | $6.45 | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $6.45 | $6.45 | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $6.45 | $6.45 | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $6.45 | $6.45 | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $6.34 | $6.34 | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $6.59 | $6.59 | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $6.59 | $6.59 | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $6.59 | $6.59 | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $6.59 | $6.59 | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $6.76 | $6.76 | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $6.76 | $6.76 | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $6.76 | $6.76 | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $6.76 | $6.76 | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $6.81 | $6.81 | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $6.81 | $6.81 | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $6.81 | $6.81 | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $6.81 | $6.81 | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $7.03 | $7.03 | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $7.03 | $7.03 | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $7.03 | $7.03 | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $7.03 | $7.03 | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $7.00 | $7.00 | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $7.00 | $7.00 | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $7.00 | $7.00 | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $7.00 | $7.00 | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $6.99 | $6.99 | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $6.99 | $6.99 | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $6.99 | $6.99 | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $6.99 | $6.99 | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $6.98 | $6.98 | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $6.98 | $6.98 | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $6.98 | $6.98 | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $6.98 | $6.98 | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $6.98 | $6.98 | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $6.98 | $6.98 | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $6.98 | $6.98 | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $6.98 | $6.98 | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $7.00 | $7.00 | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $7.00 | $7.00 | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $6.97 | $6.97 | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $6.97 | $6.97 | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $6.97 | $6.97 | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $6.97 | $6.97 | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $6.97 | $6.97 | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $6.97 | $6.97 | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | $6.92 | $6.92 | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | $6.92 | $6.92 | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | $6.92 | $6.92 | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | $6.92 | $6.92 | RVU13AR |
Where the North Carolina rate applies
North Carolina is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 785 cities and communities in North Carolina. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Aberdeen
- Advance
- Ahoskie
- Alamance
- Albemarle
- Alexis
- Alliance
- Altamahaw
93042 billing questions
What service does 93042 cover?
It covers interpretation and reporting of a one- to three-lead rhythm ECG. It does not cover acquisition of the tracing.
When should 93042 be used instead of 93040?
Use 93042 when billing only the professional interpretation and report. Use 93040 when the same service includes both the rhythm tracing and its interpretation and report.
Is the rhythm tracing included in 93042?
No. The tracing is the technical portion and has a separate code, 93041.
Should modifier 26 be appended to 93042?
No. 93042 already represents the professional interpretation and report only.
How does 93042 differ from 93010?
93042 reports interpretation of a limited-lead rhythm ECG. 93010 reports interpretation and report for a standard ECG rather than a limited-lead rhythm tracing.
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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