CPT 71110Radiology

X-ray exam ribs bil 3 views

CPT code 71110 covers a three-view x-ray examination of the ribs on both sides of the chest. This imaging study helps diagnose rib fractures, bone lesions, or chest wall abnormalities affecting both the left and right rib cage.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$42.37

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

0.29

PE RVU (NF)

MP RVU

0.02

Total RVU

1.31

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Verify bilateral examination was actually performed with minimum three views before using 71110; if only one side examined use 71100 instead
Impact: Prevents $42.37 denial and potential fraud investigation; incorrect bilateral coding when unilateral performed constitutes upcoding
Document specific views obtained (AP, obliques, lateral) in technical component notes to support three-view requirement for audits
Impact: Reduces audit risk and supports medical necessity; missing view documentation causes 15-20% of initial denials
Split bill 26 and TC modifiers when professional and technical components performed at different locations rather than billing global code
Impact: Ensures accurate facility vs. professional reimbursement distribution; prevents payment delays from location mismatches
Check for recent chest x-rays (71045-71048) same date before billing 71110; rib views may be considered inclusive with comprehensive chest studies by some payers
Impact: Prevents bundling denials; append modifier 59 with documentation showing separate medical necessity when both performed
Link appropriate ICD-10 codes indicating bilateral involvement (S22.4XXA bilateral rib fractures, M84.48XA pathological fracture) to support bilateral code selection
Impact: Diagnosis must support bilateral examination; unilateral diagnosis codes trigger medical necessity denials in 25-30% of claims
For trauma cases, obtain and document mechanism of injury supporting need for bilateral rather than unilateral examination
Strengthens medical necessity for comprehensive bilateral study; detailed documentation reduces denial rate from 18% to under 5%

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT 71110 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average payment for CPT 71110 is $42.37 for both facility and non-facility settings. This rate is based on 1.31 total RVUs multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465. Actual payment may vary based on geographic adjustment through the GPCI (Geographic Practice Cost Index).

What is the difference between CPT 71110 and 71100?

CPT 71110 is for bilateral rib x-rays (both sides) with a minimum of three views, while 71100 is for unilateral rib x-rays (one side only) with two views. Use 71110 only when both the left and right rib cage are examined. Using 71110 when only one side is imaged constitutes upcoding and may result in fraud investigations.

How many views are required for CPT code 71110?

CPT 71110 requires a minimum of three radiographic views of the bilateral ribs. Typical views include frontal (AP or PA) and bilateral oblique projections. If fewer than three views are obtained, the code should not be reported. Documentation must specify which three views were performed to support billing this code during audits.

Can CPT 71110 be billed with a chest x-ray on the same day?

Yes, but it requires careful documentation and may need modifier 59 to indicate a distinct procedural service. You must document separate medical necessity for the dedicated rib study beyond what the chest x-ray provides. Some payers bundle these services, so verify payer-specific policies and ensure separate clinical indications are clearly documented in the medical record.

What diagnosis codes support medical necessity for CPT 71110?

Appropriate ICD-10 codes include S22.4XXA (bilateral rib fractures), R07.89 (bilateral chest wall pain), C79.51 (secondary malignant neoplasm of bone affecting ribs), M84.48XA (pathological fracture of bilateral ribs), and trauma codes indicating bilateral mechanism of injury. The diagnosis must support the need for examining both sides of the rib cage rather than a unilateral study.

Who can perform and interpret CPT 71110?

The technical component (image acquisition) must be performed by a qualified radiologic technologist. The professional component (interpretation) requires a physician, typically a radiologist, though emergency physicians and other qualified physicians may interpret in their scope of practice. Office settings require direct physician supervision during x-ray performance per Medicare regulations.

What are the RVU values for CPT 71110 in 2025?

For 2025, CPT 71110 has a Work RVU of 0.29, Non-Facility PE RVU of 1.00, Facility PE RVU of 1.00, and Malpractice RVU of 0.02, totaling 1.31 RVUs. These values are multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465 and adjusted by geographic location to determine final Medicare payment rates.