CPT 75831Radiology

Vein x-ray kidney

CPT code 75831 represents an x-ray imaging study of the veins in and around the kidney (renal venography), typically performed using contrast dye to visualize blood flow patterns and identify blockages or abnormalities.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$116.12

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

1.14

PE RVU (NF)

2.35

MP RVU

0.1

Total RVU

3.59

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Always verify whether facility or non-facility billing applies; 75831 has identical rates ($116.12) for both settings in 2025, but component billing differs significantly
Impact: Prevents overpayment recoupment and ensures accurate modifier 26/TC application
Document bilateral vs unilateral procedure clearly; if only one kidney is studied, append RT or LT modifier to prevent claim rejection
Impact: Prevents automatic denials and resubmission delays averaging 30-45 days
Separately report catheter placement codes (36011, 36012) when performed, as 75831 represents only the imaging supervision and interpretation component
Impact: Recovers additional $150-300 in reimbursement for catheterization procedure codes when appropriately documented
Verify contrast administration is documented in medical record including type, amount, and route; lack of contrast documentation is leading cause of medical necessity denials
Impact: Reduces denial rate by approximately 35% based on contrast documentation completeness
When performed with other vascular imaging on same day, append modifier 59 to 75831 if anatomically distinct and medically necessary to avoid NCCI bundling
Impact: Prevents bundling denials that would result in loss of full $116.12 reimbursement
Ensure radiologist's interpretation report specifically addresses renal vein anatomy, patency, filling defects, and clinical correlation; generic vascular reports trigger audit flags
Impact: Reduces audit risk and supports medical necessity; detailed reports decrease denial probability by 40%

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT 75831 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement for CPT 75831 is $116.12 for both facility and non-facility settings. This rate is based on 3.59 total RVUs (1.14 work RVU, 2.35 PE RVU, 0.1 MP RVU) multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465.

Can CPT 75831 be billed with modifier 26 for professional component only?

Yes, CPT 75831 can be split into professional and technical components. Append modifier 26 when billing only for the radiologist's interpretation and report (professional component) when the facility owns the imaging equipment. The technical component would be billed separately by the facility with modifier TC.

What diagnosis codes support medical necessity for CPT 75831?

Common supporting diagnoses include renal vein thrombosis (I82.3), nephrotic syndrome (N04.x), hematuria (R31.x), renal mass requiring staging (C64.x, D30.0x), pre-transplant evaluation (Z00.5), and flank pain with suspected vascular etiology (M54.89). Documentation must clearly link the clinical indication to the need for venography.

Does CPT 75831 include the catheter placement procedure?

No, CPT 75831 represents only the radiological supervision and interpretation of the renal venography. The actual catheter placement and venous access should be reported separately using appropriate catheterization codes such as 36011 (selective catheter placement, venous system) or 36012 based on the specific approach and vessels accessed.

How do I bill 75831 for bilateral renal vein imaging?

CPT 75831 is typically reported once for bilateral renal venography as the code descriptor does not specify unilateral. However, if only one kidney is studied, append RT (right) or LT (left) modifier to indicate laterality. Some payers may require modifier 50 for bilateral procedures; verify payer-specific requirements.

What are common NCCI edits that affect CPT 75831 billing?

CPT 75831 has NCCI edits with other vascular imaging codes including aortography (75625, 75630) and inferior vena cavography (75825, 75827). When medically necessary to perform renal venography separately from these procedures, append modifier 59 to 75831 with documentation supporting distinct procedural services in different anatomical areas.

What documentation is required to support CPT 75831 billing?

Required documentation includes a physician order with clinical indication, informed consent, pre-procedure renal function assessment, technical procedure note documenting catheter placement and contrast administration, a complete radiologist interpretation report describing renal vein anatomy and findings, permanently archived images, and medical record notes supporting medical necessity for invasive venography over non-invasive alternatives.