CPT 70010
Global XXX ActiveContrast x-ray of brain
CPT 70010 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 70010 (Contrast x-ray of brain) is classified under Radiology with a global period indicator of XXX. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 1.16, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 0.21, and a malpractice RVU of 0.11, a total non-facility RVU of 1.48 and facility RVU of 1.48. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $50, though rates vary from $46.6 to $67.61 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 70010, ensure documentation supports medical necessity and the specific components required for the code's level of service. For E/M codes, document MDM (medical decision-making) elements: problems addressed, data reviewed, and risk. For procedural codes, document the indication, technique, and any complications. Always verify NCCI edits before bundling 70010 with related codes; this code has 10 PTP bundling relationships on file (see table below).
Payment Status & Global Period
Active code (paid under MPFS)
No global period (E/M and other non-procedural services)
MUE Limit (Medically Unlikely Edits)
Submitting more than 1 units of 70010 for the same patient on the same date triggers automatic line denial unless an appropriate modifier and supporting documentation justify the higher quantity.
RVU Breakdown, CPT 70010
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 1.16 | 1.16 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 0.21 | 0.21 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.11 | 0.11 |
| Total RVU | 1.48 | 1.48 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 70010
State-level averages across all MAC localities. Non-facility rates typically apply to office-based services; facility rates apply to hospital outpatient / inpatient.
| State | Non-Facility | Facility | Range (Non-Fac) | Localities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $50.43 | $50.43 | $49.06 - $55.09 | 29 |
| Florida | $52.93 | $52.93 | $50.97 - $55.34 | 3 |
| Georgia | $49.89 | $49.89 | $49.38 - $50.4 | 2 |
| Illinois | $52.68 | $52.68 | $50.89 - $54.5 | 4 |
| Michigan | $50.5 | $50.5 | $49.3 - $51.71 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $47.64 | $47.64 | $47.64 - $47.64 | 1 |
| New York | $53.4 | $53.4 | $47.99 - $56.39 | 5 |
| Ohio | $48.85 | $48.85 | $48.85 - $48.85 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $49.89 | $49.89 | $48.66 - $51.13 | 2 |
| Texas | $49.28 | $49.28 | $48.54 - $51.08 | 8 |
Source: CMS PFSRVU 2026 · Updated 2026-04-01. Full locality-level detail available for all 53 states, contact us for custom reports.
NCCI Bundling Edits, CPT 70010
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 70010 on the same date of service, review the modifier indicator and payer policy before submission.
| Partner Code | Relationship | Modifier Allowed | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0708T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0709T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 36000 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 36406 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 36410 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 36591 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 36592 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 76000 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 76001 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 76003 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 70010
What does CPT code 70010 mean? +
CPT code 70010 represents: Contrast x-ray of brain. It's in the Radiology category with a global period of XXX.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 70010? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 70010 is $50. Rates range from $46.6 to $67.61 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 70010? +
Radiology codes rely heavily on the professional/technical split: modifier 26 (professional component only) and TC (technical component only). Also common: 50 (bilateral imaging), 76 (repeat by same physician), 77 (repeat by different physician), and LT/RT for laterality.
What bundling edits apply to CPT 70010? +
This code has 10 NCCI PTP bundling relationships. See the NCCI Bundling section below for full list.
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on July 16, 2026.
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