CPT 73085
Global XXX ActiveContrast x-ray of elbow
CPT 73085 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 73085 (Contrast x-ray of elbow) is classified under Radiology with a global period indicator of XXX. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 0.53, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 2.31, and a malpractice RVU of 0.04, a total non-facility RVU of 2.88 and facility RVU of 2.88. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $99.73, though rates vary from $84.67 to $131.62 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 73085, 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 73085 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 73085 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 73085
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 0.53 | 0.53 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 2.31 | 2.31 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.04 | 0.04 |
| Total RVU | 2.88 | 2.88 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 73085
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 | $110.36 | $110.36 | $103.28 - $131.62 | 29 |
| Florida | $97.72 | $97.72 | $93.47 - $101.4 | 3 |
| Georgia | $92.94 | $92.94 | $88.12 - $97.75 | 2 |
| Illinois | $94.87 | $94.87 | $90.23 - $99.43 | 4 |
| Michigan | $92.03 | $92.03 | $89.65 - $94.41 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $90.54 | $90.54 | $90.54 - $90.54 | 1 |
| New York | $106.43 | $106.43 | $91.94 - $113.06 | 5 |
| Ohio | $89.49 | $89.49 | $89.49 - $89.49 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $94.86 | $94.86 | $89.79 - $99.93 | 2 |
| Texas | $95 | $95 | $89.16 - $100.55 | 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 73085
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 73085 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 |
| 73070 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 73080 | 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 | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 77001 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 73085
What does CPT code 73085 mean? +
CPT code 73085 represents: Contrast x-ray of elbow. It's in the Radiology category with a global period of XXX.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 73085? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 73085 is $99.73. Rates range from $84.67 to $131.62 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 73085? +
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 73085? +
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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