CPT 70310Radiology

X-ray exam of teeth

CPT code 70310 covers X-ray imaging of teeth, typically performed to identify cavities, tooth position, root problems, or dental development issues. This is a diagnostic imaging service ordered by dentists or physicians to evaluate dental and jaw structures.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$39.46

This calculator gives a typical-case estimate using standard Medicare modifier rules. Actual payment depends on payer policies, documentation, code-specific CMS status indicators, and locality. Verify before billing.

RVU breakdown

Work RVU

0.16

PE RVU (NF)

1.04

MP RVU

0.02

Total RVU

1.22

Conversion factor: 32.3465 · Source: CMS MPFS RVU25A · Confidence: High

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Verify medical necessity before billing to Medicare or medical insurance, as routine dental X-rays are not covered
Impact: Prevents automatic denials and the $39.46 claim being rejected; document trauma, infection, or pre-surgical medical indications
Confirm whether patient has Medicare Part B or dental insurance coverage before submitting claim
Impact: Medicare covers 70310 only when medically necessary (trauma, pathology); routine dental care is excluded, avoiding 100% denial
Link appropriate ICD-10 codes indicating medical necessity such as jaw fracture, osteomyelitis, or pre-surgical evaluation
Impact: Proper diagnosis coding increases clean claim rate by 60-75% for this commonly denied service
Bill global code 70310 unless services are split between facility and professional components
Impact: Global billing yields full $39.46 vs. splitting into 26 and TC which requires coordination and separate claims
Do not bill 70310 on same date as comprehensive dental codes (D0210, D0330) to same insurance
Impact: Prevents duplicate service denials and coordination of benefits issues that delay or reduce payment
Document the number of views, anatomical areas imaged, and specific clinical indication in radiology report
Impact: Reduces audit risk and supports medical necessity on review, protecting the $39.46 reimbursement during post-payment audits

Common denials

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT 70310 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement rate for CPT 70310 is $39.46 for both facility and non-facility settings. This rate is based on 1.22 total RVUs multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465.

Does Medicare cover CPT 70310 dental X-rays?

Medicare covers CPT 70310 only when medically necessary for conditions like facial trauma, jaw fractures, infection, or pre-surgical evaluation for medical procedures. Routine dental X-rays for preventive care or routine dental treatment are specifically excluded from Medicare coverage.

What is the difference between CPT 70310 and dental codes D0210 or D0330?

CPT 70310 is a medical code used when dental X-rays are medically necessary for diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Dental codes D0210 and D0330 are used for routine dental radiographs billed to dental insurance. The distinction is based on medical necessity and the type of insurance being billed.

Can CPT 70310 be billed with modifier 26 for professional component only?

Yes, modifier 26 can be appended to 70310 when only the professional interpretation is provided (not the technical/equipment component). This typically occurs when a radiologist interprets films taken at another facility, resulting in payment for the professional component portion only.

What diagnosis codes support medical necessity for CPT 70310?

Diagnosis codes supporting medical necessity include S02.5 (tooth fracture), S02.6 (mandible fracture), K10.2 (inflammatory conditions of jaw), C41.1 (malignant neoplasm of mandible), and Z01.20 (encounter for dental examination). Routine dental screening codes like Z01.20 alone may not support coverage without additional medical indications.

How many RVUs is CPT code 70310 worth in 2025?

CPT 70310 has 1.22 total RVUs in 2025, consisting of 0.16 work RVUs, 1.04 practice expense RVUs, and 0.02 malpractice RVUs. Both facility and non-facility PE RVUs are 1.04 for this code.

Can CPT 70310 be billed by a dentist to medical insurance?

Yes, a dentist can bill CPT 70310 to medical insurance when the dental X-rays are medically necessary for diagnosis or treatment of a medical condition rather than routine dental care. The dentist must document medical necessity and may need to be credentialed with the medical insurance plan. Many dentists refer such cases to oral surgeons or hospital radiology departments to avoid billing complications.