CPT 73070
Global XXX ActiveX-ray exam of elbow
CPT 73070 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 73070 (X-ray exam of elbow) is classified under Radiology with a global period indicator of XXX. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 0.16, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 0.7, and a malpractice RVU of 0.02, a total non-facility RVU of 0.88 and facility RVU of 0.88. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $30.43, though rates vary from $25.77 to $40 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 73070, 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 73070 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 73070 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 73070
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 0.16 | 0.16 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.02 | 0.02 |
| Total RVU | 0.88 | 0.88 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 73070
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 | $33.56 | $33.56 | $31.42 - $40 | 29 |
| Florida | $30.1 | $30.1 | $28.7 - $31.37 | 3 |
| Georgia | $28.46 | $28.46 | $27 - $29.92 | 2 |
| Illinois | $29.23 | $29.23 | $27.73 - $30.58 | 4 |
| Michigan | $28.24 | $28.24 | $27.44 - $29.03 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $27.59 | $27.59 | $27.59 - $27.59 | 1 |
| New York | $32.59 | $32.59 | $28.03 - $34.73 | 5 |
| Ohio | $27.36 | $27.36 | $27.36 - $27.36 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $29.01 | $29.01 | $27.44 - $30.58 | 2 |
| Texas | $29.01 | $29.01 | $27.24 - $30.68 | 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 73070
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 73070 on the same date of service, review the modifier indicator and payer policy before submission.
| Partner Code | Relationship | Modifier Allowed | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 96523 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 0349T | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 0594T | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | HCPCS/CPT procedure code definition |
| 20696 | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | HCPCS/CPT procedure code definition |
| 20697 | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | HCPCS/CPT procedure code definition |
| 73080 | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | HCPCS/CPT procedure code definition |
| 73085 | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 76006 | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | More extensive procedure |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 73070
What does CPT code 73070 mean? +
CPT code 73070 represents: X-ray exam of elbow. It's in the Radiology category with a global period of XXX.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 73070? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 73070 is $30.43. Rates range from $25.77 to $40 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 73070? +
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 73070? +
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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