CPT 73521Radiology

X-ray exam hips bi 2 views

CPT code 73521 covers a two-view x-ray examination of both hips in a single session. This is a standard diagnostic imaging procedure used to evaluate hip pain, injury, or suspected bone/joint conditions affecting both hip joints simultaneously.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$40.11

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

0.22

PE RVU (NF)

MP RVU

0.02

Total RVU

1.24

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Verify bilateral medical necessity is documented before using 73521; if only one hip symptomatic, consider 73501-73503 instead
Impact: Prevents denials for lack of medical necessity; incorrect bilateral coding can trigger 50-100% claim denial
Confirm minimum of two views were obtained for proper code assignment; single view studies should be coded 73520
Impact: Downcoding from 73521 to 73520 reduces reimbursement by approximately $5-8 per claim
Do not append modifier 50 (bilateral procedure) to 73521 as bilaterality is inherent in the code descriptor
Impact: Inappropriate use of modifier 50 may result in claim rejection or incorrect 150% payment followed by recoupment
Separate professional and technical components when services are split between facilities (hospital technical, outside radiologist interpretation)
Impact: Ensures correct payment distribution; failure to split can result in duplicate payment issues or underpayment of $12-28 per component
Document comparison to prior studies in radiology report to strengthen medical necessity for repeat examinations within short timeframes
Impact: Reduces denial risk for services performed within 30-90 days of previous hip imaging; appeals success rate increases 40-60% with comparative documentation
Ensure diagnosis codes support bilateral examination; unilateral diagnosis codes may trigger denials or medical review
Impact: Prevents payment delays and medical review; bilateral diagnosis coding reduces audit risk by approximately 35%

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT code 73521 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement rate for CPT 73521 is $40.11 for both facility and non-facility settings. This rate is based on 1.24 total RVUs multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465. Actual reimbursement may vary by geographic locality and payer contract.

What is the difference between CPT 73521 and 73501?

CPT 73521 is for bilateral hip x-rays (both hips) with minimum 2 views, while 73501 is for a unilateral hip x-ray (single hip) with 1 view. Code 73521 should only be used when both hips are examined and documented medical necessity exists for bilateral imaging. Using 73521 when only one hip is symptomatic constitutes upcoding.

How many views are required for CPT code 73521?

CPT 73521 requires a minimum of two views of the bilateral hips. This typically includes an anteroposterior (AP) pelvis view and at least one additional view such as frog-leg lateral or cross-table lateral projections. If fewer than two views are obtained, code 73520 (single view) should be used instead.

Can I bill CPT 73521 with modifier 50 for bilateral procedure?

No, modifier 50 should not be appended to CPT 73521 because the code descriptor already specifies bilateral examination (both hips). The bilaterality is inherent in the code itself. Adding modifier 50 may cause claim rejection or incorrect payment calculation.

What are the RVU values for CPT 73521 in 2025?

For 2025, CPT 73521 has the following RVU values: Work RVU 0.22, Practice Expense RVU 1.00 (both facility and non-facility), Malpractice RVU 0.02, for a total of 1.24 RVUs. These values are from the CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU25A released December 23, 2024.

When should I use CPT 73521 versus 73522 for hip x-rays?

Use CPT 73521 for bilateral hip x-rays with 2 views, and CPT 73522 for bilateral hip x-rays with 3-4 views. Code selection depends on the number of radiographic projections obtained. If more detailed imaging with additional views is clinically necessary and documented, 73522 is appropriate and reimburses at a higher rate.

What diagnosis codes support medical necessity for CPT 73521?

Diagnosis codes supporting bilateral hip x-rays include bilateral osteoarthritis (M16.0-M16.7), bilateral developmental dysplasia, inflammatory arthropathies affecting multiple joints, bilateral hip pain (M25.551, M25.552 together), comparison studies for unilateral complaints, and systemic conditions requiring bilateral assessment. Documentation must justify why both hips need evaluation rather than just the symptomatic side.