CPT 73620Radiology

X-ray exam of foot

CPT code 73620 covers a basic x-ray examination of the foot, typically including two views to evaluate bones for fractures, deformities, or arthritis. This is one of the most common imaging studies ordered for foot pain or injury.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$27.49

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)

0.67

MP RVU

0.02

Total RVU

0.85

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Document the specific number and type of views obtained (minimum two views for 73620). Three or more views may qualify for 73630 instead, which reimburses at a higher rate.
Impact: Coding 73630 for complete exams with 3+ views increases reimbursement by approximately 20-30% compared to 73620
Always append RT or LT modifiers even though not strictly required by Medicare, as many commercial payers mandate laterality modifiers for extremity imaging to prevent denials.
Impact: Prevents automatic denials from commercial payers requiring laterality, avoiding 30-45 day payment delays and appeal costs
When billing for bilateral foot x-rays on the same date, verify payer policy: some require modifier 50 on one line, others require two separate lines with RT/LT modifiers.
Impact: Correct bilateral billing methodology ensures full payment of approximately $41.24 rather than single-foot payment of $27.49
Split bill 73620 with modifier 26 for professional component and TC for technical component when services are performed at different locations (interpretation done remotely from imaging site).
Impact: Ensures both facility and interpreting physician receive appropriate payment shares; prevents double-billing denials
Link appropriate ICD-10 codes demonstrating medical necessity (trauma codes, pain, suspected fracture). Avoid vague or screening diagnoses that trigger medical necessity denials.
Impact: Strong diagnosis coding reduces medical necessity denials by 60-70% for this commonly audited procedure
For Medicare patients, ensure ordering physician has an active NPI and PTAN. Invalid referring physician information is a common cause of claim rejection for diagnostic imaging.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does Medicare pay for CPT code 73620 in 2025?

Medicare pays $27.49 for CPT 73620 under the 2025 Physician Fee Schedule (both facility and non-facility rates). This represents the national average; actual payment may vary slightly by geographic location based on the GPCI (Geographic Practice Cost Index) adjustment for your area.

What is the difference between CPT 73620 and 73630?

CPT 73620 covers a minimum two-view x-ray of the foot, while 73630 represents a complete foot x-ray examination with three or more views. Code 73630 reimburses at a higher rate, so accurate view count documentation is essential to ensure proper code selection and maximum appropriate reimbursement.

Can I bill 73620 twice for bilateral foot x-rays?

Bilateral foot x-rays can be billed using modifier 50 on a single line (typically paying 150% of the single rate) or as two separate line items with RT and LT modifiers. Payer policy determines which format is required, so verify guidelines before submitting. Medicare generally allows modifier 50 for bilateral foot imaging when both feet have separate medical necessity.

Do I need a modifier 26 or TC for CPT 73620?

Use modifier 26 when billing only the professional component (physician interpretation) and TC when billing only the technical component (equipment and technologist). If your facility performs both components, bill the global code 73620 without these modifiers. Split billing is common when interpretation occurs at a different location than the imaging.

What diagnosis codes support medical necessity for 73620?

Common supporting diagnosis codes include foot pain (M79.671/M79.672), foot trauma (S99.xx codes), suspected fracture (stress fracture M84.374x/M84.375x), diabetes with foot complications (E11.621/E11.622), arthritis of foot joints (M19.071/M19.072), and deformities like hallux valgus (M20.1x). Avoid vague screening codes that may trigger denials.

How many RVUs is CPT code 73620 worth?

CPT 73620 has a total RVU value of 0.85 for 2025, broken down as 0.16 work RVU, 0.67 practice expense RVU, and 0.02 malpractice RVU. The RVU values are identical for both facility and non-facility settings. When multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465, this yields the Medicare payment of $27.49.

Can 73620 be billed with an E/M code on the same day?

Yes, 73620 can be billed with an E/M service on the same day without modifier 25 because diagnostic imaging codes are not surgical procedures subject to the same bundling rules. However, ensure the E/M service is separately identifiable and documented independently from the decision to order the x-ray. The radiologist's interpretation (professional component) is always separately billable from the ordering physician's E/M.