CPT 73525Radiology

Contrast x-ray of hip

CPT 73525 covers a specialized hip x-ray performed after injecting contrast dye into the hip joint, which helps doctors see the joint structures more clearly than a standard x-ray.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$120.98

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

0.54

PE RVU (NF)

3.15

MP RVU

0.05

Total RVU

3.74

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Always bill the contrast injection code (27093 or 20610) separately from 73525, as the injection is not included in the imaging code
Impact: Captures additional $80-150 in reimbursement for the injection procedure that is commonly missed; increases total procedure revenue by 65-125%
Document the medical necessity for contrast versus standard radiography, including failed prior imaging or specific clinical indications
Impact: Prevents denials for lack of medical necessity; standard hip x-ray (73501-73523) pays only $35-65 compared to $120.98 for arthrography
Ensure the radiology report specifically describes the contrast administration, fluoroscopic guidance, and enhanced visualization obtained
Impact: Missing contrast documentation can result in downcoding to non-contrast study with payment reduction of $55-85 per case
Verify payer-specific policies on bilateral procedures; some require modifier 50 while others want two line items with RT/LT modifiers
Impact: Incorrect bilateral billing can reduce payment from expected $181.47 to only $120.98, losing $60+ in legitimate reimbursement
When performed as part of MR or CT arthrography, bill 73525 only if conventional radiographs are separately performed and interpreted; otherwise bundle with advanced imaging
Impact: Prevents unbundling denials and potential compliance issues; proper coding maintains clean claims and avoids recoupment risk
Include diagnosis codes that support intraarticular pathology evaluation (labral tear, loose body, cartilage defect) rather than generic hip pain
Specific diagnosis coding reduces denial rates by 15-25% and supports medical necessity for advanced contrast imaging

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT 73525 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement for CPT 73525 is $120.98 for both facility and non-facility settings. This rate is based on 3.74 total RVUs multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465. Actual payment may vary by geographic locality.

Can I bill CPT 73525 with the hip injection code on the same date of service?

Yes, CPT 73525 should be billed separately from the intraarticular hip injection code (typically 27093 or 20610). The injection is not included in the arthrography imaging code. Both services are separately reportable when performed together, with appropriate documentation of each component.

What is the difference between CPT 73525 and standard hip x-rays?

CPT 73525 is a contrast arthrography study requiring injection of radiopaque contrast material into the hip joint, while standard hip x-rays (73501-73523) are performed without contrast. The contrast enhancement allows visualization of soft tissue structures like the labrum and cartilage that are not visible on standard radiographs, which justifies the higher reimbursement of $120.98 versus $35-65 for standard views.

How do I bill bilateral hip arthrography using CPT 73525?

For bilateral hip arthrography, most payers accept modifier 50 (bilateral procedure) appended to CPT 73525, which typically reimburses at 150% of the single-side rate. Some payers require billing two separate line items with RT (right) and LT (left) modifiers instead. Verify specific payer policy before submitting claims.

What modifiers are required when billing CPT 73525?

Laterality modifiers RT (right) or LT (left) are required for unilateral procedures. Modifier 26 is used for professional component only (interpretation), and TC for technical component only. Modifier 50 may be used for bilateral procedures per payer policy. Modifier 59 may be needed to indicate a distinct service when billed with other procedures that might otherwise be bundled.

What documentation is needed to support medical necessity for CPT 73525?

Documentation must include specific clinical indications for contrast arthrography such as suspected labral tear, loose bodies, or cartilage defects. Prior imaging (typically standard radiographs) should be documented as inconclusive or negative despite persistent symptoms. The radiology report must clearly describe contrast administration, injection technique, and the enhanced visualization obtained from the contrast material.

Can CPT 73525 be billed with MR or CT arthrography codes?

CPT 73525 should only be billed separately if conventional radiographic arthrography images are obtained as a distinct service from MR or CT arthrography. If the conventional images are merely scout or localizing views for the advanced imaging, they should not be separately reported. Documentation must support that 73525 represents a separately performed and interpreted diagnostic study.