CPT 73040
Global XXX ActiveContrast x-ray of shoulder
CPT 73040 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 73040 (Contrast x-ray of shoulder) is classified under Radiology with a global period indicator of XXX. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 0.53, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 3.46, and a malpractice RVU of 0.04, a total non-facility RVU of 4.03 and facility RVU of 4.03. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $139.82, though rates vary from $117.66 to $187.01 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 73040, 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 73040 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 2 units of 73040 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 73040
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 0.53 | 0.53 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 3.46 | 3.46 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.04 | 0.04 |
| Total RVU | 4.03 | 4.03 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 73040
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 | $155.81 | $155.81 | $145.38 - $187.01 | 29 |
| Florida | $136.26 | $136.26 | $130.19 - $141.39 | 3 |
| Georgia | $129.58 | $129.58 | $122.38 - $136.78 | 2 |
| Illinois | $131.98 | $131.98 | $125.3 - $138.88 | 4 |
| Michigan | $128.1 | $128.1 | $124.72 - $131.48 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $126.38 | $126.38 | $126.38 - $126.38 | 1 |
| New York | $149.28 | $149.28 | $128.43 - $158.73 | 5 |
| Ohio | $124.56 | $124.56 | $124.56 - $124.56 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $132.49 | $132.49 | $125.06 - $139.92 | 2 |
| Texas | $132.82 | $132.82 | $124.11 - $141.19 | 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 73040
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 73040 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 |
| 73020 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 73030 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 76000 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | CPT Separate procedure definition |
| 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 | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 76005 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 77001 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 73040
What does CPT code 73040 mean? +
CPT code 73040 represents: Contrast x-ray of shoulder. It's in the Radiology category with a global period of XXX.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 73040? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 73040 is $139.82. Rates range from $117.66 to $187.01 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 73040? +
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 73040? +
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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