CPT 73701Radiology

Ct lower extremity w/dye

CPT code 73701 covers a CT (computed tomography) scan of the lower extremity performed with contrast dye injected into the patient. This imaging test creates detailed cross-sectional pictures of the leg, ankle, or foot to help diagnose injuries, infections, tumors, or blood vessel problems.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$164.00

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

1.16

PE RVU (NF)

3.84

MP RVU

0.07

Total RVU

5.07

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Always verify and document contrast administration in radiology report and technical notes, specifying type, volume, and route of contrast agent used
Impact: Prevents downcoding to 73700 (without contrast) which reimburses approximately $30-40 less; maintains full $164 reimbursement
Ensure pre-authorization is obtained before procedure as many payers require prior approval for CT imaging; verify medical necessity criteria are met
Impact: Prevents 100% claim denial ($164 loss); reduces claim processing delays by 15-30 days
Bill professional (26) and technical (TC) components separately when services are split between interpreting physician and facility to maximize compliant reimbursement
Impact: Optimizes revenue distribution; prevents coordination of benefits issues and duplicate payment recoveries
Document specific anatomical region scanned (hip, thigh, knee, leg, ankle, foot) and append appropriate laterality modifier (RT/LT) on every claim
Impact: Reduces denial rate by 12-18%; prevents requests for additional information that delay payment by 10-20 days
Verify patient renal function (creatinine/GFR) is documented before contrast administration and that informed consent for contrast is in medical record
Impact: Protects against medical necessity denials and liability claims; maintains compliance during audits which could recover $164 per study
Do not bill 73701 with 73702 (CT lower extremity with and without contrast) for the same anatomical area on same date; bill the comprehensive code 73702 instead
Prevents bundling denial and potential overpayment recovery; ensures correct code selection for $30-50 higher reimbursement with 73702

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT 73701 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement rate for CPT 73701 is $164 for both facility and non-facility settings. This rate is calculated using a total RVU of 5.07 multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465. Actual reimbursement may vary based on geographic location and local Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) adjustments.

What is the difference between CPT 73700 and 73701?

CPT 73700 is a CT scan of the lower extremity performed without contrast material, while 73701 requires intravenous contrast administration. The contrast enhancement in 73701 provides better visualization of soft tissues, blood vessels, and certain pathologies. The reimbursement for 73701 ($164) is higher than 73700 due to the additional resources, contrast materials, and clinical information provided.

Do I need prior authorization for CPT 73701?

Most commercial payers and Medicare Advantage plans require prior authorization for CPT 73701, though Original Medicare typically does not. Requirements vary by insurance carrier and specific plan. Always verify authorization requirements before scheduling the procedure to prevent claim denials. Many payers use radiology benefit management companies that require clinical documentation submission before approval.

Can I bill CPT 73701 with modifier 26 for professional component only?

Yes, modifier 26 should be appended to 73701 when billing only for the physician's professional interpretation and report, without the technical component (equipment, technologist, supplies). This is common when a radiologist reads a study performed at a separate facility. The professional component represents approximately 30-40% of the total reimbursement.

What documentation is required to support medical necessity for CPT 73701?

Required documentation includes a physician order specifying the clinical indication, patient signs and symptoms justifying CT imaging, relevant history (trauma, suspected infection, mass, etc.), documentation that simpler imaging was inadequate or inappropriate, and the radiologist's report demonstrating how findings impacted patient care. Pre-procedure renal function assessment and contrast consent are also required.

How many RVUs is CPT 73701 worth in 2025?

CPT 73701 has a total RVU value of 5.07 for 2025, consisting of 1.16 work RVUs, 3.84 practice expense RVUs (both facility and non-facility), and 0.07 malpractice RVUs. These values are set by CMS in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and are used to calculate reimbursement when multiplied by the conversion factor of 32.3465.

Can CPT 73701 and 73702 be billed together for the same anatomical area?

No, CPT 73701 (with contrast only) and 73702 (with and without contrast) should not be billed together for the same anatomical region on the same date of service. If imaging is performed both with and without contrast, only CPT 73702 should be reported, as it is the comprehensive code that includes both contrast phases. Billing both codes would constitute improper unbundling and result in denial.