X-ray exam of wrist
CPT code 73110 covers a standard x-ray examination of the wrist, typically involving two or more views to evaluate bones, joints, and soft tissue for injury or disease.
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
Conversion factor: 32.3465 · Source: CMS MPFS RVU25A · Confidence: High
NCCI bundling edits
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Billing tips
Always append RT or LT modifier to specify laterality - most Medicare contractors and commercial payers require this for all extremity imaging
Impact: Prevents automatic denials and claim rejections that delay payment by 15-30 days on average
Bill global code (73110) only when your facility owns equipment and employs interpreting physician; otherwise split using 26 or TC modifiers appropriately
Impact: Incorrect component billing can result in 100% overpayment recoupment during audits
Document minimum of two views in radiology report; single view wrist studies should be coded 73100, which reimburses lower
Impact: Coding 73110 for single-view study risks $8-12 overpayment per claim and potential fraud allegations
Link to specific ICD-10 diagnosis code documenting medical necessity (trauma codes, pain, arthritis, etc.) - avoid vague codes like R52 (pain, unspecified)
Impact: Prevents 15-25% of claims from medical necessity denials, particularly for follow-up imaging
For bilateral wrist x-rays, bill 73110-RT and 73110-LT separately rather than using modifier 50, as most payers reimburse extremity imaging bilaterally at 100% each
Impact: Ensures full reimbursement of $80.22 for bilateral studies vs potential 150% cap ($60.17) with modifier 50
Verify that interpretation is signed and dated within payer-specific timeframes (typically 24-48 hours for outpatient imaging)
Impact: Delayed or missing signatures trigger 5-10% of post-payment audit recoupments
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