CPT 73120Radiology

X-ray exam of hand

CPT code 73120 covers a standard X-ray examination of the hand, typically involving two or more views to evaluate bones, joints, and soft tissues for injuries, arthritis, or other abnormalities.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$30.41

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)

0.76

MP RVU

0.02

Total RVU

0.94

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, as this is required by most payers including Medicare
Impact: Prevents automatic denial or suspension; reduces claim processing delays by 70-80%
Split bill 26 and TC modifiers when physician interpretation occurs separately from technical service delivery
Impact: Ensures proper reimbursement allocation between professional and technical components in split-billing scenarios
Document the number of views taken (minimum 2 for 73120) in both the order and the radiologist's report
Impact: Supports medical necessity and prevents downcoding; lack of view documentation is the leading cause of audit adjustments
Link appropriate ICD-10 codes that support medical necessity, particularly for screening or non-trauma indications
Impact: Reduces denial rate by 40-50% for non-obvious indications like chronic arthritis or follow-up imaging
Do not bill 73120 with 73130 on the same hand for the same date of service without modifier 59 and clear documentation of medical necessity
Impact: Prevents bundling denials and potential fraud alerts; 73130 includes 73120 views
Verify patient registration includes accident/injury date and place of occurrence codes for trauma-related hand X-rays
Impact: Ensures proper routing to liability insurance when applicable; prevents patient balance billing issues averaging $30-50

Applicable modifiers

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT 73120 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement for CPT 73120 is $30.41 for both facility and non-facility settings, based on a total RVU of 0.94 and a conversion factor of 32.3465.

How many views are required for CPT code 73120?

CPT 73120 requires a minimum of two views of the hand. Common projections include posteroanterior (PA) and lateral views, though oblique views may also be obtained depending on clinical indication.

Do I need a modifier when billing 73120 for hand X-rays?

Yes, you must append laterality modifiers RT (right) or LT (left) to specify which hand was imaged. Additionally, use modifier 26 for professional component only or TC for technical component only in split-billing situations.

What is the difference between CPT 73120 and 73130?

CPT 73120 is for a hand X-ray with a minimum of 2 views, while 73130 is for a minimum of 3 views. The 73130 code is more comprehensive and reimburses at a higher rate; you cannot bill both codes for the same hand on the same date of service.

Can CPT 73120 be billed bilaterally for both hands?

Yes, you can bill 73120 twice with RT and LT modifiers when both hands are imaged on the same date. However, modifier 50 (bilateral) is generally not accepted for radiology codes; instead, bill two separate line items with appropriate laterality modifiers.

What diagnosis codes support medical necessity for 73120?

Common supporting diagnoses include hand pain (M79.64-), traumatic fractures (S62 series), osteoarthritis (M19.04-), foreign body (Z18 series), post-procedural follow-up (Z09), and suspected bone or joint abnormalities. The diagnosis must justify the medical necessity of imaging.

What are the RVU values for CPT code 73120 in 2025?

For 2025, CPT 73120 has a work RVU of 0.16, practice expense RVU of 0.76 (both facility and non-facility), malpractice RVU of 0.02, totaling 0.94 RVUs. These values are from the CMS Medicare Physician Fee Schedule RVU25A released December 23, 2024.