CPT 73218
Global XXX ActiveMri upper extremity w/o dye
CPT 73218 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 73218 (Mri upper extremity 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 1.32, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 7.66, and a malpractice RVU of 0.1, a total non-facility RVU of 9.08 and facility RVU of 9.08. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $314.86, though rates vary from $265.59 to $419.67 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 73218, 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 73218 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 73218 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 73218
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 1.32 | 1.32 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 7.66 | 7.66 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Total RVU | 9.08 | 9.08 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 73218
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 | $350.22 | $350.22 | $327.04 - $419.67 | 29 |
| Florida | $307.3 | $307.3 | $293.7 - $318.88 | 3 |
| Georgia | $292.24 | $292.24 | $276.29 - $308.18 | 2 |
| Illinois | $297.84 | $297.84 | $282.9 - $313.08 | 4 |
| Michigan | $289.03 | $289.03 | $281.45 - $296.62 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $284.93 | $284.93 | $284.93 - $284.93 | 1 |
| New York | $336.15 | $336.15 | $289.5 - $357.32 | 5 |
| Ohio | $281.05 | $281.05 | $281.05 - $281.05 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $298.66 | $298.66 | $282.12 - $315.21 | 2 |
| Texas | $299.32 | $299.32 | $280.02 - $317.83 | 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 73218
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 73218 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 |
| 0594T | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | HCPCS/CPT procedure code definition |
| 0648T | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 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 |
| 73219 | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | HCPCS/CPT procedure code definition |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 73218
What does CPT code 73218 mean? +
CPT code 73218 represents: Mri upper extremity w/o dye. It's in the Radiology category with a global period of XXX.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 73218? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 73218 is $314.86. Rates range from $265.59 to $419.67 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 73218? +
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 73218? +
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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