CPT 73700Radiology

Ct lower extremity w/o dye

CPT code 73700 covers a CT scan of the lower leg, ankle, or foot performed without contrast dye (the injectable material that makes blood vessels and tissues show up more clearly on imaging).

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$127.77

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

PE RVU (NF)

2.9

MP RVU

0.05

Total RVU

3.95

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 - this is a bilateral procedure code requirement
Impact: Prevents automatic denials for missing laterality; can delay payment 30-45 days if modifier missing and requires claim resubmission
Verify medical necessity documentation specifically addresses why non-contrast study is appropriate versus contrast-enhanced CT (73701)
Impact: Medical necessity denials account for 22% of radiology claim rejections; proper documentation increases first-pass acceptance rate by 35%
Split bill using 26 and TC modifiers when professional and technical components occur in different settings
Impact: Ensures both facility and physician receive appropriate payment portions; prevents $127.77 payment from being incorrectly split or denied
Document contraindications to contrast if patient has renal insufficiency (GFR <30) or severe contrast allergy in clinical indication
Impact: Strengthens medical necessity and prevents payer requests for why contrast-enhanced study was not performed; reduces appeal rate by 40%
When billing bilateral studies (both legs), append 50 modifier or bill as two line items with RT and LT modifiers depending on payer requirements
Impact: Bilateral studies typically receive 150% of unilateral rate ($191.66 total) rather than 200%; incorrect billing can result in 50% overpayment recoupment
Check for LCD (Local Coverage Determination) requirements specific to your MAC regarding covered indications for lower extremity CT
Impact: Non-covered indications result in 100% payment denial; pre-authorization when required prevents $127.77 write-off per study

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT 73700 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average payment rate for CPT 73700 is $127.77 for both facility and non-facility settings. This rate is based on 3.95 total RVUs multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of $32.3465.

What is the difference between CPT 73700 and 73701?

CPT 73700 is a CT of the lower extremity without contrast dye, while 73701 is the same imaging study performed with intravenous contrast material. The choice depends on clinical indication - contrast is typically used to evaluate soft tissue masses, vascular structures, or infection, while non-contrast studies are preferred for bone detail and when contrast is contraindicated.

Do I need a modifier when billing CPT 73700?

Yes, laterality modifiers RT (right) or LT (left) are required when billing 73700 to specify which lower extremity was scanned. Additionally, use modifier 26 for professional component only or TC for technical component only when the service is split-billed between facility and physician.

How many RVUs is CPT code 73700 worth?

CPT 73700 has 3.95 total RVUs in 2025, broken down as: 1.00 work RVU, 2.90 practice expense RVU (both facility and non-facility), and 0.05 malpractice RVU.

Can CPT 73700 be billed bilaterally?

Yes, when both lower extremities are scanned, you can bill 73700 twice with RT and LT modifiers on separate line items, or use modifier 50 (bilateral) on a single line, depending on payer preference. Most payers reimburse bilateral studies at 150% rather than 200% of the unilateral rate.

What diagnosis codes support medical necessity for CPT 73700?

Common supporting diagnoses include fractures (S82.x, S92.x series), bone tumors (C40.2x, D16.2x), osteomyelitis (M86.x), chronic ankle/foot pain (M25.57x), arthropathy (M19.07x), and soft tissue masses (D21.2x). Always verify your MAC's Local Coverage Determination for specific covered indications.

Does CPT 73700 require prior authorization?

Prior authorization requirements vary by payer and are increasingly common for advanced imaging including CT scans. Medicare Advantage plans and many commercial insurers require pre-authorization for non-emergency CT studies. Traditional Medicare typically does not require prior authorization but does enforce medical necessity through post-payment audits and LCDs.