CPT 71550
Global XXX ActiveMri chest w/o dye
CPT 71550 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 71550 (Mri chest w/o dye) is classified under Radiology with a global period indicator of XXX. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 1.42, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 8.45, and a malpractice RVU of 0.1, a total non-facility RVU of 9.97 and facility RVU of 9.97. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $345.81, though rates vary from $291.59 to $461.42 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 71550, 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 71550 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 71550 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 71550
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 1.42 | 1.42 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 8.45 | 8.45 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Total RVU | 9.97 | 9.97 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 71550
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 | $384.9 | $384.9 | $359.36 - $461.42 | 29 |
| Florida | $337.11 | $337.11 | $322.27 - $349.69 | 3 |
| Georgia | $320.76 | $320.76 | $303.17 - $338.34 | 2 |
| Illinois | $326.69 | $326.69 | $310.33 - $343.54 | 4 |
| Michigan | $317.15 | $317.15 | $308.88 - $325.42 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $312.89 | $312.89 | $312.89 - $312.89 | 1 |
| New York | $369.08 | $369.08 | $317.9 - $392.25 | 5 |
| Ohio | $308.48 | $308.48 | $308.48 - $308.48 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $327.88 | $327.88 | $309.68 - $346.08 | 2 |
| Texas | $328.66 | $328.66 | $307.37 - $349.09 | 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 71550
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 71550 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 |
| 76350 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 96523 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 99201 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | 9 | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 99202 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | 9 | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 99203 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | 9 | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 99204 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | 9 | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 99205 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | 9 | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 71550
What does CPT code 71550 mean? +
CPT code 71550 represents: Mri chest w/o dye. It's in the Radiology category with a global period of XXX.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 71550? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 71550 is $345.81. Rates range from $291.59 to $461.42 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 71550? +
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 71550? +
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 1, 2026.
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