Billing code 73040: Shoulder arthrographyMedicare rate & RVUs in Iowa
Reports contrast X-ray imaging of a shoulder joint to evaluate internal structures, with the professional interpretation and technical imaging service represented by this code.
Medicare pays $123.98 for 73040 in the office in Iowa (Iowa). Which amount applies depends on the service address.
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 9 sections
What 73040 covers
This service covers X-ray imaging of the shoulder joint after contrast has been introduced into the joint, often with fluoroscopic guidance. A radiologist or other qualified imaging physician interprets the images; imaging staff operate the equipment and assist with image acquisition. It may be used to assess joint structures when a clinician requests an arthrogram, including evaluation for suspected internal derangement or contrast leakage related to a rotator cuff abnormality. The injection itself is represented separately when performed.
Report 73040 for the contrast imaging and its interpretation, supported by the imaging report and documentation identifying the shoulder examined and the clinical indication. billing code 23350 may be reported for the shoulder contrast injection when that service is performed. CMS recognizes professional and technical components: modifier 26 identifies interpretation, modifier TC identifies equipment and staff, and an unmodified claim represents the global service. When both shoulders are examined, CMS pays each side separately at 100%; the record should identify each side.
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.
73040 in Iowa
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $123.98 | Unavailable |
How the 73040 rate is calculated
Each of 73040’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 · 73040
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work0.53
0.53 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense3.46
3.46 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.04
0.04 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
4.0300
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$134.61
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
Payment rules and modifiers for 73040
The CMS indicators that decide how 73040 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 73040
Shoulder arthrography
| 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) | 3 | Each side paid at 100% (no 150% cap). |
| 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
73040 without 26 · national office
$134.61
Shoulder arthrography
73040-26 · Professional component
$26.72
Pays only the interpretation and report.
73040 compared with similar codes
Compare codes · National
4 codes, side by side
How to choose
- 73020Shoulder X-ray
- 73020 describes a single-view plain shoulder X-ray. Use 73040 for contrast imaging of the shoulder joint.
- 73030Shoulder X-ray
- 73030 describes multiple plain shoulder X-ray views. It does not represent contrast arthrography.
- 23350Shoulder injection
- 23350 represents injection of contrast into the shoulder joint for arthrography or enhanced imaging; 73040 represents the X-ray imaging and interpretation.
73040 billing questions
How is this different from a routine shoulder X-ray?
This code is for shoulder imaging after contrast is placed inside the joint. Use routine shoulder radiography codes when the study consists of plain X-ray views without joint contrast.
Is the contrast injection included in 73040?
The imaging and interpretation are represented by 73040. When the shoulder joint injection for arthrography is performed, report billing code 23350 for that service.
When should modifier 26 or TC be used?
Use modifier 26 for the professional interpretation and modifier TC for the technical service, which includes equipment and staff. Reporting 73040 without either modifier represents the global service.
How should bilateral shoulder arthrography be reported?
Document which shoulder was examined on each side. CMS pays each side separately at 100% when both shoulders are performed.
What documentation supports reporting this code?
The record should support the clinical reason for the contrast study and identify the shoulder examined. The imaging report should document the acquired study and the physician's interpretation.
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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