CPT 71048
Global XXX ActiveX-ray exam chest 4+ views
CPT 71048 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 71048 (X-ray exam chest 4+ views) is classified under Radiology with a global period indicator of XXX. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 0.3, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 1.02, and a malpractice RVU of 0.03, a total non-facility RVU of 1.35 and facility RVU of 1.35. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $46.64, though rates vary from $39.8 to $60.79 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 71048, 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 71048 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 71048 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 71048
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 1.02 | 1.02 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.03 | 0.03 |
| Total RVU | 1.35 | 1.35 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 71048
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 | $51.24 | $51.24 | $48.07 - $60.79 | 29 |
| Florida | $46.15 | $46.15 | $44.1 - $48.02 | 3 |
| Georgia | $43.74 | $43.74 | $41.6 - $45.87 | 2 |
| Illinois | $44.89 | $44.89 | $42.69 - $46.85 | 4 |
| Michigan | $43.43 | $43.43 | $42.26 - $44.59 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $42.45 | $42.45 | $42.45 - $42.45 | 1 |
| New York | $49.87 | $49.87 | $43.09 - $53.03 | 5 |
| Ohio | $42.14 | $42.14 | $42.14 - $42.14 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $44.55 | $44.55 | $42.24 - $46.86 | 2 |
| Texas | $44.55 | $44.55 | $41.95 - $46.97 | 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 71048
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 71048 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 |
| 71046 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | More extensive procedure |
| 71047 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | More extensive procedure |
| 71101 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Mutually exclusive procedures |
| 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 71048
What does CPT code 71048 mean? +
CPT code 71048 represents: X-ray exam chest 4+ views. It's in the Radiology category with a global period of XXX.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 71048? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 71048 is $46.64. Rates range from $39.8 to $60.79 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 71048? +
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 71048? +
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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