HCPCS code G0279: Diagnostic breast tomosynthesis, add-on to diagnostic mammography2026 Medicare rate & RVUs

Medicare pays $40.42 for G0279 nationally in the office. Local office rates run $37.15–$51.10.

Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.

What G0279 covers

G0279 covers digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), often called 3D mammography, performed as part of a diagnostic mammogram. The tomosynthesis unit acquires low-dose projections from multiple angles, which are reconstructed into thin slices. A radiologist uses them to evaluate a palpable lump, nipple discharge, a callback from screening, or a finding under short-interval follow-up. Technologists acquire the images in hospital outpatient breast centers and freestanding imaging facilities. A radiologist interprets the slices alongside the mammographic views.

Report G0279 only with diagnostic mammography code 77065 (one breast) or 77066 (both breasts). Document that tomosynthesis was performed and identify the breast or breasts imaged. Report one unit whether tomosynthesis examines one or both breasts: the code is priced as bilateral, so modifier 50 does not increase payment. As an add-on, it is paid within the primary procedure’s global period. Use modifier 26 for interpretation, modifier TC for the equipment and staff portion, or no component modifier when one entity bills the global service.

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.

Where G0279 pays more and less

The same RVUs, adjusted for each area’s costs. Open a locality for its calculation, history and nearby areas.

109 of 109 payment localities

G0279 rates by state

Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.

How the G0279 rate is calculated

Each of G0279’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.

Payment rules and modifiers for G0279

The CMS indicators that decide how G0279 is paid alongside other services.

What modifiers do to the payment

When to use modifier 26

G0279 compared with similar codes

How to choose

77063Screening breast tomosynthesisBilateral screening add-on

77063 is the tomosynthesis add-on for screening mammography (77067). G0279 accompanies a diagnostic mammogram (77065 or 77066).

77062Breast tomosynthesisDiagnostic, bilateral

77062 is the CPT bilateral diagnostic tomosynthesis code. For Medicare claims, report G0279 with 77065 or 77066 instead.

77066Diagnostic mammogramBilateral, including CAD

77066 reports the bilateral diagnostic mammogram. G0279 adds tomosynthesis acquisition and interpretation and is reported with the diagnostic mammography code.

Codes related to G0279

Related codes aren’t interchangeable: bill the code that matches the service performed.

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

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates