CPT 74300Radiology

X-ray bile ducts/pancreas

CPT code 74300 covers X-ray imaging of the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts, typically performed during surgery or using contrast dye to visualize these structures. This is a specialized radiology procedure used to diagnose blockages, stones, or other abnormalities in the biliary and pancreatic systems.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$12.62

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

0.27

PE RVU (NF)

0.1

MP RVU

0.02

Total RVU

0.39

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Verify that 74300 is not bundled into the surgical procedure code before billing separately. Many payers bundle this into cholecystectomy codes (47562, 47563, 47564)
Impact: Prevents automatic denials and potential compliance issues; bundling violations can result in 100% claim denial and potential audit flags
Ensure separate documentation of the radiologic supervision and interpretation, distinct from the operative report, with specific findings and impressions
Impact: Proper documentation supports medical necessity and reduces audit risk; missing interpretation reports account for 40-60% of 74300 denials
Bill 74300 only when a separate radiologist or qualified physician provides the interpretation; if the surgeon performs and interprets, this may be included in the surgical code
Impact: Prevents duplicate billing; improper dual billing can result in recoupment of the full $12.62 payment plus potential penalties
Check NCCI edits before billing 74300 with other same-day procedures; common conflicts exist with 47562-47564 and require modifier 59 with appropriate documentation
Impact: Using modifier 59 appropriately can recover the $12.62 payment that would otherwise be denied; inappropriate use increases audit risk
For facility billing, confirm whether the procedure meets the definition of intraoperative versus postoperative cholangiography, as different codes apply
Impact: Using the correct code (74300 vs 74305) ensures appropriate reimbursement and avoids coding errors that trigger audits
Document the medical necessity for performing cholangiography, including clinical indicators such as elevated liver enzymes, dilated common bile duct, or suspected choledocholithiasis

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT code 74300 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement rate for CPT code 74300 is $12.62 for both facility and non-facility settings. This is calculated using 0.39 total RVUs multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465.

Can CPT 74300 be billed separately with a laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

It depends on the payer and specific circumstances. Medicare and many commercial payers bundle 74300 into cholecystectomy codes (47562-47564) under NCCI edits. Separate billing may be allowed with modifier 59 if a different physician performs the interpretation and documentation supports a distinct service, but many payers consider it inclusive regardless of who interprets.

What is the difference between CPT 74300 and 74305?

CPT 74300 is for intraoperative cholangiography or pancreatography performed during surgery, while 74305 is for cholangiography performed through an existing catheter postoperatively or in non-surgical settings. The timing and approach differ, with 74300 being performed during open surgical exploration and 74305 through existing access.

Who can bill CPT code 74300 - the surgeon or the radiologist?

Only the physician who performs the radiologic supervision and interpretation can bill 74300. If a radiologist provides real-time interpretation separate from the surgeon's work, the radiologist bills 74300. If the surgeon performs and interprets the imaging themselves, it is typically considered inclusive to the surgical procedure and should not be separately billed by either party.

What documentation is required to bill CPT 74300?

A separate written interpretation report is required, distinct from the operative note, containing identification of anatomical structures, specific radiologic findings, image quality assessment, number of images obtained, and a signed impression. The documentation must demonstrate that complete radiologic supervision and interpretation services were provided independently.

How many RVUs is CPT code 74300 worth in 2025?

CPT code 74300 has 0.39 total RVUs in 2025, consisting of 0.27 work RVUs, 0.10 practice expense RVUs (both facility and non-facility), and 0.02 malpractice RVUs according to the CMS Physician Fee Schedule.

What are common denial reasons for CPT 74300?

The most common denials for 74300 include bundling with the surgical procedure code, missing separate interpretation documentation, lack of medical necessity justification, and duplicate billing when both surgeon and radiologist submit claims. Approximately 40-60% of denials are due to documentation deficiencies.