CPT 71271
Global XXX ActiveCt thorax lung cancer scr c-
CPT 71271 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 71271 (Ct thorax lung cancer scr c-) is classified under Radiology with a global period indicator of XXX. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 1.05, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 2.95, and a malpractice RVU of 0.08, a total non-facility RVU of 4.08 and facility RVU of 4.08. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $140.91, though rates vary from $121.09 to $182.45 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 71271, 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 71271 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 71271 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 71271
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 1.05 | 1.05 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 2.95 | 2.95 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.08 | 0.08 |
| Total RVU | 4.08 | 4.08 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 71271
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 | $154.37 | $154.37 | $145.09 - $182.45 | 29 |
| Florida | $139.13 | $139.13 | $133.28 - $144.4 | 3 |
| Georgia | $132.32 | $132.32 | $126.15 - $138.49 | 2 |
| Illinois | $135.51 | $135.51 | $129.21 - $141.24 | 4 |
| Michigan | $131.36 | $131.36 | $128.05 - $134.66 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $128.71 | $128.71 | $128.71 - $128.71 | 1 |
| New York | $150.29 | $150.29 | $130.56 - $159.43 | 5 |
| Ohio | $127.72 | $127.72 | $127.72 - $127.72 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $134.76 | $134.76 | $128.05 - $141.46 | 2 |
| Texas | $134.75 | $134.75 | $127.22 - $141.76 | 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 71271
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 71271 on the same date of service, review the modifier indicator and payer policy before submission.
| Partner Code | Relationship | Modifier Allowed | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01922 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Anesthesia service included in surgical procedure |
| 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 |
| 71270 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 75571 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 76380 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 78803 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 78830 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 78831 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 78832 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 71271
What does CPT code 71271 mean? +
CPT code 71271 represents: Ct thorax lung cancer scr c-. It's in the Radiology category with a global period of XXX.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 71271? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 71271 is $140.91. Rates range from $121.09 to $182.45 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 71271? +
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 71271? +
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 June 2, 2026.
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