CPT 77081
Global XXX ActiveDxa bone density appendiculr
CPT 77081 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 77081 (Dxa bone density appendiculr) is classified under Radiology with a global period indicator of XXX. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 0.2, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 0.73, and a malpractice RVU of 0.02, a total non-facility RVU of 0.95 and facility RVU of 0.95. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $32.84, though rates vary from $27.97 to $42.93 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 77081, 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 77081 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 1 units of 77081 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 77081
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 0.73 | 0.73 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.02 | 0.02 |
| Total RVU | 0.95 | 0.95 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 77081
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 | $36.13 | $36.13 | $33.88 - $42.93 | 29 |
| Florida | $32.44 | $32.44 | $30.99 - $33.75 | 3 |
| Georgia | $30.76 | $30.76 | $29.23 - $32.28 | 2 |
| Illinois | $31.54 | $31.54 | $29.99 - $32.95 | 4 |
| Michigan | $30.52 | $30.52 | $29.7 - $31.34 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $29.86 | $29.86 | $29.86 - $29.86 | 1 |
| New York | $35.11 | $35.11 | $30.31 - $37.34 | 5 |
| Ohio | $29.61 | $29.61 | $29.61 - $29.61 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $31.34 | $31.34 | $29.69 - $32.98 | 2 |
| Texas | $31.34 | $31.34 | $29.49 - $33.08 | 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 77081
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 77081 on the same date of service, review the modifier indicator and payer policy before submission.
| Partner Code | Relationship | Modifier Allowed | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0508T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Mutually exclusive procedures |
| 36410 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | CPT Separate procedure definition |
| 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 |
| 76977 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Mutually exclusive procedures |
| 77080 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Mutually exclusive procedures |
| 96523 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| G0130 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Mutually exclusive procedures |
| 77078 | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | Mutually exclusive procedures |
| 77079 | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | No | Mutually exclusive procedures |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 77081
What does CPT code 77081 mean? +
CPT code 77081 represents: Dxa bone density appendiculr. It's in the Radiology category with a global period of XXX.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 77081? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 77081 is $32.84. Rates range from $27.97 to $42.93 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 77081? +
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 77081? +
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 2, 2026.
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