CPT 2026 · Radiology

CPT 74235

Global XXX

Remove esophagus obstruction

Effective 2026-04-01 Conv. factor $33.4009

No national RVU

Payment Methodology

Status Indicator

NCCI Partners

XXX

Global Period

No national RVU

This code does not have a national work RVU on the current Physician Fee Schedule. Pricing may be carrier-determined, non-covered, or tracked via a separate methodology.

CPT 74235 Billing & Documentation Guide

CPT code 74235 (Remove esophagus obstruction) is classified under Radiology with a global period indicator of XXX. This code uses the No national RVU payment methodology rather than standard RVU-based Physician Fee Schedule pricing. Refer to the methodology notice above for billing implications.

When billing 74235, 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 74235 with related codes; this code has 10 PTP bundling relationships on file (see table below).

Payment Status & Global Period

CMS Status Indicator

Carrier-priced (MAC determines payment locally)

Global Period

XXX

No global period (E/M and other non-procedural services)

MUE Limit (Medically Unlikely Edits)

Max units per beneficiary per date of service

Rationale: Nature of Service/Procedure

Adjudication: Date of Service (Clinical)

Source: CMS NCCI MUE Practitioner Services, effective 2026-04-01.

Submitting more than 1 units of 74235 for the same patient on the same date triggers automatic line denial unless an appropriate modifier and supporting documentation justify the higher quantity.

NCCI Bundling Edits, CPT 74235

Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 74235 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
76000	Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier	Yes	Standards of medical/surgical practice
76001	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
77002	Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier	Yes	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

Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 74235

What does CPT code 74235 mean? +

CPT code 74235 represents: Remove esophagus obstruction. It's in the Radiology category with a global period of XXX.

What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 74235? +

This code does not have a national work RVU on the current Physician Fee Schedule. Pricing may be carrier-determined, non-covered, or tracked via a separate methodology.

What modifiers can I use with CPT 74235? +

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 74235? +

This code has 10 NCCI PTP bundling relationships. See the NCCI Bundling section below for full list.