CPT 71046
Global XXX ActiveX-ray exam chest 2 views
CPT 71046 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 71046 (X-ray exam chest 2 views) is classified under Radiology with a global period indicator of XXX. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 0.21, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 0.76, and a malpractice RVU of 0.02, a total non-facility RVU of 0.99 and facility RVU of 0.99. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $34.22, though rates vary from $29.16 to $44.75 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 71046, 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 71046 with related codes; this code has 10 PTP bundling relationships on file (see table below).
Coding Tips for 71046
Real-world specialist guidance from the PayerReady Medical Coding Team, not generic boilerplate.
Chest X-ray, 2 views (71046, replaced 71020 in 2018). Most-billed radiology code. Global billing uses the 5-digit code; professional-only appends modifier 26; technical-only appends TC.
Bundled into most E/M codes when performed same day in the same setting per NCCI. Bill separately only when the chest X-ray is a distinct service (different diagnosis code supports the imaging beyond the E/M).
Views matter: 71045 (single view), 71046 (2 views), 71047 (3 views), 71048 (4+ views). Document actual views performed in the radiology report.
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 2 units of 71046 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 71046
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 0.21 | 0.21 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 0.76 | 0.76 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.02 | 0.02 |
| Total RVU | 0.99 | 0.99 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 71046
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 | $37.66 | $37.66 | $35.31 - $44.75 | 29 |
| Florida | $33.79 | $33.79 | $32.29 - $35.13 | 3 |
| Georgia | $32.04 | $32.04 | $30.45 - $33.63 | 2 |
| Illinois | $32.84 | $32.84 | $31.23 - $34.32 | 4 |
| Michigan | $31.79 | $31.79 | $30.94 - $32.64 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $31.12 | $31.12 | $31.12 - $31.12 | 1 |
| New York | $36.57 | $36.57 | $31.6 - $38.89 | 5 |
| Ohio | $30.86 | $30.86 | $30.86 - $30.86 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $32.66 | $32.66 | $30.95 - $34.36 | 2 |
| Texas | $32.67 | $32.67 | $30.73 - $34.48 | 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 71046
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 71046 on the same date of service, review the modifier indicator and payer policy before submission.
| Partner Code | Relationship | Modifier Allowed | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0175T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 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 |
| 71045 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | More extensive procedure |
| 96523 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 0495T | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 0496T | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 31500 | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 32550 | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 32551 | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 71046
What does CPT code 71046 mean? +
CPT code 71046 represents: X-ray exam chest 2 views. It's in the Radiology category with a global period of XXX.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 71046? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 71046 is $34.22. Rates range from $29.16 to $44.75 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 71046? +
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 71046? +
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 May 31, 2026.
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