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CMS RVU26D · Effective 2026-10-01

74246 in Beaumont

Office / nonfacility

$125.17

Base rate per service

Facility setting

Not available in this setting

Base rate per service

Amounts below use the non-QP conversion factor for participating physicians. These are base physician payments before claim-level adjustments, not patient costs or total hospital charges.

Diagnostic radiology

About 74246: Double-contrast upper GI examination

Reports fluoroscopic double-contrast imaging of the esophagus, stomach, and proximal small bowel during an air-contrast upper gastrointestinal series.

This examination uses fluoroscopy and radiographs to assess the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, sometimes extending to the proximal jejunum. The patient swallows contrast, typically high-density barium with an effervescent agent that distends the upper GI tract with gas. A radiologist guides the study and interprets the images, with a technologist assisting with imaging. It is commonly performed in a hospital radiology department or outpatient imaging center to evaluate symptoms or suspected structural abnormalities such as a hiatal hernia or ulcer.

Select this code when the documented examination uses an air-contrast protocol to image the upper GI tract; a single-contrast study is reported differently. The record should support the anatomic coverage, contrast technique, and final interpretation. CMS recognizes separately priced professional and technical components: modifier 26 identifies the interpretation, and modifier TC identifies equipment and staff. Reporting without either modifier represents the global service.

CMS billing rules for 74246

Professional and technical components
Diagnostic test with a professional component (modifier 26, interpretation) and a technical component (modifier TC, equipment and staff); billing without a modifier is the global service.

Where the value comes from

  • Work RVU0.88 · 22%
  • Practice expense (office) RVU3.09 · 77%
  • Malpractice RVU0.06 · 1%

39.7K

Medicare services in 2024 · #872 by national volume

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.

74246 compared with similar codes

Office rates for Beaumont, from the same CMS release.

74240

Upper GI series

Single contrast

$113.32

Both cover an upper GI examination, but 74246 describes an air-contrast technique; 74240 describes a single-contrast study.

74220

Esophagram

Single contrast

$87.51

74220 is limited to an esophageal examination with single contrast. Use 74246 when the air-contrast study evaluates the broader upper GI tract.

74221

Esophagram

Double contrast

$98.12

74221 is a double-contrast esophagus-only examination. Choose 74246 when the study also examines the stomach and duodenum or proximal jejunum.

74250

Small-bowel X-ray

Single contrast

$110.01

74250 describes a small-intestine examination, not an air-contrast upper GI series. Select based on the documented anatomy and imaging performed.

The same code, a different location

How does Beaumont compare?

In Austin, the office rate for 74246 is $140.42—$15.25 higher than the $125.17 rate in Beaumont. Both use the same code, release and participation basis.

74246 across payment areas

Same release and payment basis · bars start at $0

  1. Beaumont · This locality

    $125.17

  2. Austin

    $140.42

    $15.25 higher than Beaumont

  3. Brazoria

    $133.47

    $8.30 higher than Beaumont

  4. Dallas

    $134.17

    $9.00 higher than Beaumont

  5. Fort Worth

    $133.17

    $8.00 higher than Beaumont

  6. Galveston

    $133.77

    $8.60 higher than Beaumont

  7. Houston

    $134.87

    $9.70 higher than Beaumont

Other payment areas listed in Texas appear first, followed by selected cross-country examples. The chart compares amounts, not distance.

Across 109 of 109 CMS payment localities with a supported office rate, 74246 ranges from $119.08 in Arkansas to $182.53 in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara (San Benito Cnty). This is a geographic range, not an average.

The code’s RVUs stay the same in these comparisons. Geographic adjustments to work, practice expense and malpractice change the dollar amount. A city name alone may not identify the payment area for a service address.

Compare all 108 other payment areas

  • Rest Of Texas

    Texas · 74246

    Office

    $129.15

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $3.98 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim (Los Angeles/Orange Cnty)

    California · 74246

    Office

    $154.02

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $28.85 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Dc + Md/Va Suburbs

    District of Columbia · 74246

    Office

    $154.79

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $29.62 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Miami

    Florida · 74246

    Office

    $141.90

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $16.73 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Chicago

    Illinois · 74246

    Office

    $137.92

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $12.75 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Manhattan

    New York · 74246

    Office

    $154.38

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $29.21 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Alaska*

    Alaska · 74246

    Office

    $155.11

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $29.94 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Alabama

    Alabama · 74246

    Office

    $120.83

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $4.34 lower than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Arkansas

    Arkansas · 74246

    Office

    $119.08

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $6.09 lower than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Arizona

    Arizona · 74246

    Office

    $131.12

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $5.95 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Bakersfield

    California · 74246

    Office

    $144.29

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $19.12 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Chico

    California · 74246

    Office

    $144.08

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $18.91 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • El Centro

    California · 74246

    Office

    $144.09

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $18.92 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Fresno

    California · 74246

    Office

    $144.08

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $18.91 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Hanford-Corcoran

    California · 74246

    Office

    $144.08

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $18.91 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Madera

    California · 74246

    Office

    $144.08

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $18.91 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Merced

    California · 74246

    Office

    $144.08

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $18.91 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Modesto

    California · 74246

    Office

    $144.08

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $18.91 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Napa

    California · 74246

    Office

    $168.29

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $43.12 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura

    California · 74246

    Office

    $153.46

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $28.29 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Redding

    California · 74246

    Office

    $144.08

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $18.91 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Rest Of California

    California · 74246

    Office

    $144.08

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $18.91 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario

    California · 74246

    Office

    $144.75

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $19.58 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom

    California · 74246

    Office

    $151.56

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $26.39 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Salinas

    California · 74246

    Office

    $151.00

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $25.83 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad

    California · 74246

    Office

    $154.80

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $29.63 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley (Marin Cnty)

    California · 74246

    Office

    $178.63

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $53.46 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley (San Francisco/San Mateo/Alameda/Contra Costa Cnty)

    California · 74246

    Office

    $178.56

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $53.39 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara (San Benito Cnty)

    California · 74246

    Office

    $182.53

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $57.36 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara (Santa Clara Cnty)

    California · 74246

    Office

    $182.25

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $57.08 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles

    California · 74246

    Office

    $148.52

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $23.35 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Santa Cruz-Watsonville

    California · 74246

    Office

    $156.48

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $31.31 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Santa Maria-Santa Barbara

    California · 74246

    Office

    $151.63

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $26.46 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Santa Rosa-Petaluma

    California · 74246

    Office

    $158.09

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $32.92 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Stockton

    California · 74246

    Office

    $144.08

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $18.91 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Vallejo

    California · 74246

    Office

    $168.19

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $43.02 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Visalia

    California · 74246

    Office

    $144.08

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $18.91 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Yuba City

    California · 74246

    Office

    $144.08

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $18.91 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Colorado

    Colorado · 74246

    Office

    $141.12

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $15.95 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Connecticut

    Connecticut · 74246

    Office

    $143.56

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $18.39 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Delaware

    Delaware · 74246

    Office

    $133.31

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $8.14 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Fort Lauderdale

    Florida · 74246

    Office

    $137.57

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $12.40 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Rest Of Florida

    Florida · 74246

    Office

    $131.07

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $5.90 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Atlanta

    Georgia · 74246

    Office

    $136.75

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $11.58 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Rest Of Georgia

    Georgia · 74246

    Office

    $123.84

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $1.33 lower than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Hawaii, Guam

    Hawaii · 74246

    Office

    $147.90

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $22.73 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Iowa

    Iowa · 74246

    Office

    $124.62

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $0.55 lower than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Idaho

    Idaho · 74246

    Office

    $125.29

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $0.12 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • East St. Louis

    Illinois · 74246

    Office

    $128.38

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $3.21 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Rest Of Illinois

    Illinois · 74246

    Office

    $126.75

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $1.58 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Suburban Chicago

    Illinois · 74246

    Office

    $139.15

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $13.98 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Indiana

    Indiana · 74246

    Office

    $126.04

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $0.87 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Kansas

    Kansas · 74246

    Office

    $123.70

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $1.47 lower than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Kentucky

    Kentucky · 74246

    Office

    $122.98

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $2.19 lower than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • New Orleans

    Louisiana · 74246

    Office

    $128.79

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $3.62 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Rest Of Louisiana

    Louisiana · 74246

    Office

    $122.65

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $2.52 lower than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Metropolitan Boston

    Massachusetts · 74246

    Office

    $155.61

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $30.44 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Rest Of Massachusetts

    Massachusetts · 74246

    Office

    $140.14

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $14.97 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Baltimore/Surr. Cntys

    Maryland · 74246

    Office

    $143.09

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $17.92 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Rest Of Maryland

    Maryland · 74246

    Office

    $135.97

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $10.80 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Rest Of Maine

    Maine · 74246

    Office

    $125.59

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $0.42 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Southern Maine

    Maine · 74246

    Office

    $132.94

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $7.77 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Detroit

    Michigan · 74246

    Office

    $132.37

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $7.20 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Rest Of Michigan

    Michigan · 74246

    Office

    $125.88

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $0.71 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Minnesota

    Minnesota · 74246

    Office

    $136.19

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $11.02 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Metropolitan Kansas City

    Missouri · 74246

    Office

    $128.26

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $3.09 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Metropolitan St. Louis

    Missouri · 74246

    Office

    $129.66

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $4.49 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Rest Of Missouri

    Missouri · 74246

    Office

    $120.31

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $4.86 lower than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Mississippi

    Mississippi · 74246

    Office

    $119.74

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $5.43 lower than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Montana**

    Montana · 74246

    Office

    $134.60

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $9.43 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • North Carolina

    North Carolina · 74246

    Office

    $126.97

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $1.80 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • North Dakota**

    North Dakota · 74246

    Office

    $133.42

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $8.25 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Nebraska

    Nebraska · 74246

    Office

    $125.41

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $0.24 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • New Hampshire

    New Hampshire · 74246

    Office

    $138.59

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $13.42 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Northern Nj

    New Jersey · 74246

    Office

    $153.11

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $27.94 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Rest Of New Jersey

    New Jersey · 74246

    Office

    $145.47

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $20.30 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • New Mexico

    New Mexico · 74246

    Office

    $126.44

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $1.27 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Nevada**

    Nevada · 74246

    Office

    $134.37

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $9.20 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Nyc Suburbs/Long Island

    New York · 74246

    Office

    $157.71

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $32.54 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Poughkpsie/N Nyc Suburbs

    New York · 74246

    Office

    $146.15

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $20.98 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Queens

    New York · 74246

    Office

    $156.16

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $30.99 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Rest Of New York

    New York · 74246

    Office

    $128.85

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $3.68 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Ohio

    Ohio · 74246

    Office

    $125.64

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $0.47 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Oklahoma

    Oklahoma · 74246

    Office

    $123.12

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $2.05 lower than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Portland

    Oregon · 74246

    Office

    $146.02

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $20.85 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Rest Of Oregon

    Oregon · 74246

    Office

    $133.60

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $8.43 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Metropolitan Philadelphia

    Pennsylvania · 74246

    Office

    $139.75

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $14.58 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Rest Of Pennsylvania

    Pennsylvania · 74246

    Office

    $126.03

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $0.86 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Puerto Rico

    Puerto Rico · 74246

    Office

    $135.71

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $10.54 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Rhode Island

    Rhode Island · 74246

    Office

    $138.35

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $13.18 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • South Carolina

    South Carolina · 74246

    Office

    $126.46

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $1.29 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • South Dakota**

    South Dakota · 74246

    Office

    $133.27

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $8.10 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Tennessee

    Tennessee · 74246

    Office

    $124.29

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $0.88 lower than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Utah

    Utah · 74246

    Office

    $128.21

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $3.04 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Virginia

    Virginia · 74246

    Office

    $132.26

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $7.09 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Virgin Islands

    United States Virgin Islands · 74246

    Office

    $135.71

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $10.54 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Vermont

    Vermont · 74246

    Office

    $132.58

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $7.41 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Rest Of Washington

    Washington · 74246

    Office

    $139.98

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $14.81 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Seattle (King Cnty)

    Washington · 74246

    Office

    $159.14

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $33.97 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Wisconsin

    Wisconsin · 74246

    Office

    $128.88

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $3.71 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • West Virginia

    West Virginia · 74246

    Office

    $121.95

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $3.22 lower than Beaumont for the office setting.

  • Wyoming**

    Wyoming · 74246

    Office

    $134.08

    Facility

    Unavailable

    $8.91 higher than Beaumont for the office setting.

See how rates vary across the country

74246 · Office / nonfacility · Non-QP. Choose a state to explore its payment localities. A range means the amount varies within that state.

MEWIVTNHMTNDMNMINYMARIWAIDWYSDIAILINOHPANJCTORNVUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDECAAZNMKSOKARTNNCSCDCTXLAMSALGAFLAKHI

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.

$119.08

$163.31

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

View all state and territory rates as a table
State / territoryRate rangeLocalities
AK$155.111
AL$120.831
AR$119.081
AZ$131.121
CA$144.08–$182.5329
CO$141.121
CT$143.561
DC$154.791
DE$133.311
FL$131.07–$141.903
GA$123.84–$136.752
GU$147.901
HI$147.901
IA$124.621
ID$125.291
IL$126.75–$139.154
IN$126.041
KS$123.701
KY$122.981
LA$122.65–$128.792
MA$140.14–$155.612
MD$135.97–$154.793
ME$125.59–$132.942
MI$125.88–$132.372
MN$136.191
MO$120.31–$129.663
MS$119.741
MT$134.601
NC$126.971
ND$133.421
NE$125.411
NH$138.591
NJ$145.47–$153.112
NM$126.441
NV$134.371
NY$128.85–$157.715
OH$125.641
OK$123.121
OR$133.60–$146.022
PA$126.03–$139.752
PR$135.711
RI$138.351
SC$126.461
SD$133.271
TN$124.291
TX$125.17–$140.428
UT$128.211
VA$132.26–$154.792
VI$135.711
VT$132.581
WA$139.98–$159.142
WI$128.881
WV$121.951
WY$134.081

Explore 74246 on the national rate map →

Where does this rate apply?

Beaumont is a Medicare payment area. Our Census mapping connects it to 13 cities and communities in Texas, including the examples shown here.

Some communities span more than one payment area. Follow a city link to compare all of its mapped areas, or check the service-location ZIP above for an address-level starting point.

Browse all communities in Texas →

Use this rate

What is a percentage of Medicare worth?

Turn a percentage into dollars for 74246 in Beaumont. This uses the base rate on this page, so the locality and release stay consistent.

Reference amount per service

$137.69

$125.17 × 110% = $137.69

A contract may specify another Medicare year or additional adjustments. This is percentage arithmetic on the displayed base rate, not a claim adjudication.

Working with a whole code list?

Compare an offer across your annual code mix, including an older Medicare schedule or flat per-code rates.

Compare your contract offer →

How this local rate is calculated

Each RVU component is multiplied by its own geographic practice cost index (GPCI). The three adjusted components are added, then multiplied by the conversion factor. These are the inputs used for 74246 in Beaumont.

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

8,357

Code
74246
Physician work
0.88
Practice expense
3.09
Malpractice
0.06

GPCI2026.csv

97

Locality
Beaumont
Physician work
1.000
Practice expense
0.910
Malpractice
0.929
Office / nonfacility calculation for 74246 in Beaumont
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work0.88× 1.0000.8800
Practice expense3.09× 0.9102.8119
Malpractice0.06× 0.9290.0557
Total RVUs3.7476
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office / nonfacility rate, Beaumont$125.17

Open 74246 in the RVU calculator →

Explore RVUs, geographic factors and the full formula

Office / nonfacility

Office / nonfacility calculation inputs
ComponentRVULocal GPCI
Work0.881
Practice expense3.090.91
Malpractice0.060.929

(0.88 × 1 + 3.09 × 0.91 + 0.06 × 0.929) × $33.4009 = $125.17

The office and facility calculations use their respective practice-expense RVUs. The facility amount here is the physician fee, not a separate hospital or facility bill.

How this rate has changed

74246 · Office / nonfacility

$125.17

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $2.81 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $122.36 to $125.17 (2.3%).

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

    $122.36changed to$125.17

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 0.90 changed to 0.88
    • Practice expense RVU 3.14 changed to 3.09
    • Malpractice RVU 0.05 changed to 0.06
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.903 changed to 0.910
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.947 changed to 0.929

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    Earliest loaded release: $122.36

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

Explore release dates and calculate this code in an earlier period →

Each row uses the accepted CMS release effective on that date and the same contractor and locality identifiers. Missing rates stay visible. Historical boundaries may differ; verify the service address for an older claim.

Inspect every release and its CMS source
Effective fromOffice / nonfacilityFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$125.17Not available in this settingRVU26D
2026-07-01$125.17Not available in this settingRVU26C
2026-04-01$125.17Not available in this settingRVU26B
2026-01-01$125.17Not available in this settingRVU26A
2025-10-01$122.36Not available in this settingRVU25D
2025-07-01$122.36Not available in this settingRVU25C
2025-04-01$122.36Not available in this settingRVU25B
2025-01-01$122.36Not available in this settingRVU25A

74246 billing questions

How does this differ from 74240?

74246 is for an air-contrast upper GI examination. Use 74240 for an upper GI study performed with single contrast.

When should the esophagus-only codes be used instead?

Use 74220 or 74221 when the examination is limited to the esophagus and matches the applicable contrast technique. This code covers a broader upper GI examination.

Can the professional and technical services 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.

What documentation supports reporting 74246?

The report should identify the upper GI anatomy examined, the air-contrast technique, and the interpreting physician's findings. The imaging record should support that the study was not single contrast.

Does this code describe a small-bowel follow-through?

No. It describes an air-contrast upper GI examination. A study focused on serial imaging of the small intestine is coded according to its own procedure and contrast method.

Where these rates come from

FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense, and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indices and the applicable conversion factor. Unavailable or separately priced services are labeled rather than assigned a made-up amount.

Source: RVU26D. Effective 2026-10-01 through the day before 2027-01-01.

RVUs for 74246PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 8,357 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for BeaumontGPCI2026.csv, line 97 (RVU26D)
Open CMS sourceHow this rate is calculatedBuild a fee sheet