CPT 74183Radiology

Mri abd w/o cntr flwd cntr

CPT 74183 is an MRI scan of the abdomen performed both without contrast dye and then with contrast dye injected during the same session. This dual-phase imaging helps doctors see detailed pictures of abdominal organs like the liver, pancreas, kidneys, and intestines to detect tumors, inflammation, or other abnormalities.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$332.52

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

2.2

PE RVU (NF)

7.93

MP RVU

0.15

Total RVU

10.28

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Always verify pre-authorization before scheduling, as most commercial payers require prior authorization for MRI abdomen with contrast
Impact: Prevents denials worth $332.52 per study; prior auth denials are difficult to overturn retroactively
Document both the non-contrast and post-contrast sequences separately in the radiology report to justify billing 74183 instead of 74182 (without contrast) or 74181 (with contrast only)
Impact: 74183 reimburses $332.52 versus approximately $280-$300 for single-phase studies; inadequate documentation may result in downcoding
Ensure medical necessity is clearly documented in the ordering physician's notes, including specific clinical indication beyond 'abdominal pain' (e.g., elevated liver enzymes with suspected hepatic mass)
Impact: Prevents medical necessity denials; appeals for vague indications have low success rates and delay payment by 60-90 days
Bill facility versus non-facility based on actual place of service - both have identical rates ($332.52) for 74183, but ensure POS code matches claim
Impact: Incorrect POS codes trigger automatic denials or audits; while rates are equal, documentation requirements differ by setting
When splitting professional and technical components, ensure modifier 26 and TC are billed by appropriate entities and never by the same provider on the same claim
Impact: Duplicate billing triggers fraud alerts and payer audits; recovery demands can include entire payment plus penalties
Document contrast type, dose, and administration route; note any adverse reactions even if minor, as this supports medical decision-making complexity

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT 74183 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement for CPT 74183 is $332.52 for both facility and non-facility settings. This is based on 10.28 total RVUs (2.2 work RVU, 7.93 PE RVU, 0.15 MP RVU) multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465.

What is the difference between CPT 74183 and 74182?

CPT 74183 includes MRI abdomen performed both without contrast and with contrast (dual-phase protocol), while 74182 is MRI abdomen without contrast followed by further sequences (without contrast administration). Code 74183 requires administration of intravenous contrast material, while 74182 does not involve any contrast injection.

Does CPT 74183 require prior authorization?

Most commercial insurance payers and Medicare Advantage plans require prior authorization for CPT 74183. Traditional Medicare does not require prior authorization, but may review medical necessity post-service. Always verify authorization requirements with the specific payer before scheduling to avoid denials.

Can CPT 74183 be billed with modifier 26?

Yes, modifier 26 can be appended to CPT 74183 when billing only the professional component (physician interpretation). This is common when the technical component (equipment, staff, contrast) is billed separately by the facility. Never bill both the global code and the components separately by the same entity.

What diagnosis codes support medical necessity for CPT 74183?

Common supporting diagnoses include liver lesions or masses (C22.x, D13.4), pancreatic neoplasms (C25.x), renal tumors (C64.x), hepatomegaly (R16.0), elevated liver enzymes (R74.x), abdominal pain with concerning features (R10.x with secondary codes), staging of known malignancies, and follow-up of previously identified abnormalities. Specific payer policies vary.

How many RVUs is CPT code 74183 worth in 2025?

CPT 74183 has a total of 10.28 RVUs in 2025, consisting of 2.2 work RVUs, 7.93 practice expense RVUs (both facility and non-facility), and 0.15 malpractice RVUs according to the CMS Physician Fee Schedule.

Can CPT 74183 and 74177 (MRI abdomen and pelvis with contrast) be billed together?

No, CPT 74183 (abdomen only) and 74177 (abdomen and pelvis) should not be billed together as they represent overlapping anatomic areas. Bill 74177 when both abdomen and pelvis are imaged. Billing both codes together will result in denial for unbundling or duplicate service.