CPT 73720Radiology

Mri lwr extremity w/o&w/dye

CPT code 73720 represents an MRI scan of the lower extremity (leg, ankle, or foot) performed twice—once without contrast dye and once with contrast dye injected into a vein. This dual-scan approach helps doctors see detailed images of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and blood vessels to diagnose injuries, tumors, infections, or other abnormalities.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$331.55

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

2.15

PE RVU (NF)

7.95

MP RVU

0.15

Total RVU

10.25

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

NCCI bundling edits

Loading bundling edits…

Billing tips

Always document medical necessity for BOTH non-contrast and contrast phases separately in the ordering physician's notes and radiologist's interpretation
Impact: Failure to justify both sequences results in downcoding to 73718 (without contrast only), reducing reimbursement by approximately $80-100
Verify contrast administration is actually documented in the technologist notes and radiologist report with specific timing and dosage
Impact: Missing contrast documentation triggers automatic denials or downcoding; can reduce payment by 25-30% if recoded to non-contrast study
Use anatomically specific laterality modifiers (RT/LT) on every claim to meet payer requirements and prevent processing delays
Impact: Claims without laterality modifiers may be auto-denied or suspended for clarification, delaying payment 30-60 days
Check for LCD/NCD coverage requirements specific to contrast MRI before scheduling; many payers require pre-authorization for code 73720
Impact: Retroactive authorization denials result in 100% payment loss ($331.55) and potential patient balance billing issues
When billing bilateral lower extremity MRIs with contrast, append modifier 50 rather than billing 73720 twice with RT/LT modifiers
Impact: Proper use of modifier 50 typically yields 150% total reimbursement versus risk of second study denial when billed separately
Ensure split/shared visit documentation when performed in hospital outpatient departments to capture full facility and professional reimbursement
Impact: Proper split documentation maintains both facility and professional payment streams totaling $331.55 each component

Live Field Datano reports yet

Real billers contribute denial patterns and appeal strategies for this code. Once 5+ reports come in, you’ll see live aggregated data here — the only place this exists, free.

Working with CPT 73720?

Get the free Revenue Protection Toolkit — the denial triggers, modifier pitfalls, and bundling conflicts that quietly cost you reimbursement. Instant download.

Help build the field knowledge

MedPayIQ gets smarter as billers contribute. If you've had this code denied, share what happened so others learn from it. Anonymous, no patient info.

Related actions

Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT 73720 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement for CPT 73720 is $331.55 for both facility and non-facility settings, based on a total RVU of 10.25 and the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465.

What is the difference between CPT 73720 and 73718?

CPT 73720 includes MRI imaging both without contrast AND with intravenous contrast material in sequence, while 73718 is performed only without contrast material. Code 73720 requires documentation justifying medical necessity for both phases and actual contrast administration.

Does CPT 73720 require prior authorization from Medicare or commercial payers?

Medicare Advantage plans and most commercial payers require prior authorization for CPT 73720 due to its high cost and frequent overutilization. Original Medicare typically does not require prior auth but does have LCD medical necessity criteria that must be met.

Can you bill CPT 73720 for both legs on the same day?

Yes, bilateral lower extremity MRI with contrast can be billed using CPT 73720 with modifier 50 for bilateral procedures, typically reimbursed at 150% of the single procedure rate, or billed twice with RT and LT modifiers depending on payer requirements.

What RVU value does CPT 73720 have in 2025?

CPT 73720 has a work RVU of 2.15, non-facility practice expense RVU of 7.95, facility practice expense RVU of 7.95, and malpractice RVU of 0.15, for a total RVU of 10.25 in 2025.

What diagnosis codes support medical necessity for CPT 73720?

Diagnoses supporting CPT 73720 include soft tissue masses or tumors requiring characterization, suspected osteomyelitis, complex trauma with vascular injury concern, inflammatory arthropathies requiring enhancement assessment, and malignancy staging. Simple sprains, routine osteoarthritis, or basic fracture evaluation typically do not justify contrast administration.

Who can perform and interpret CPT 73720?

CPT 73720 must be performed by ARRT-certified MRI technologists under physician supervision, with contrast administered per facility protocol. The interpretation and report must be completed by a board-certified or board-eligible radiologist, typically with subspecialty training in musculoskeletal imaging for optimal diagnostic accuracy.