Radiology CPT codes 70010-79999, common X-ray codes by body part, TC/26 billing, and the code ranges most online guides still get wrong.
Search for radiology CPT codes, and you'll find the same two errors copied across dozens of billing guides: radiologic guidance listed as ending at 77032 (it ends at 77022) and nuclear medicine listed as starting at 78000 (it starts at 78012). Neither mistake is huge on its own, but it's a useful signal - a lot of what circulates online about radiology coding hasn't been checked against the current code set in years. This guide breaks down the radiology CPT code range, the X-ray codes you'll use most, professional-versus-technical component billing, and what actually changed for 2026.
What Are Radiology CPT Codes?
Radiology CPT codes occupy the 70010–79999 range of the CPT code set maintained by the American Medical Association, split into seven subsections:
- Diagnostic Radiology (70010–76499) - X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and fluoroscopy
- Diagnostic Ultrasound (76506–76999) - imaging using sound waves rather than radiation
- Radiologic Guidance (77001–77022) - imaging guidance used during another procedure, such as needle placement
- Mammography (77046–77067) - breast imaging
- Bone/Joint Studies (77071–77086) - including DXA bone density scans
- Radiation Oncology Treatment (77261–77799) - planning and delivery of radiation therapy
- Nuclear Medicine (78012–79999) - imaging using radioactive tracers
Every claim in this range pairs with an ICD-10-CM diagnosis code that establishes medical necessity - the CPT code says what was done, the ICD-10 code says why, and payers deny claims where the two don't support each other. For MRI specifically, which sits partly inside and partly adjacent to this range depending on the modality, our MRI Code Guide covers the contrast-selection logic in more depth.
Common X-Ray CPT Codes by Body Part
For unilateral extremity X-rays (hand, wrist, ankle, knee), use the applicable modifier (RT or LT); leaving it off is one of the most common causes of automatic payer rejection. Bilateral studies use modifier 50 and are reimbursed at 150% of the unilateral rate, reflecting a 50% reduction applied to the second side rather than a full duplicate payment.
Professional Component vs. Technical Component
- Modifier 26 (Professional Component) - The radiologist's interpretation and written report
- Modifier TC (Technical Component) - The equipment, supplies, and technologist's time
- Global billing (no modifier) - Used when one entity performs and owns both components
Errors in this split are one of the most common sources of radiology claim denials - billing global when a separate entity actually performed the technical work, or appending modifier 26 or TC unnecessarily when one entity legitimately did both, will trigger a denial or overpayment review either way. Always check the current CMS National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits before billing two radiology codes together, and use the CMS Physician Fee Schedule Look-up Tool to confirm current Medicare rates for the professional and technical components separately.
What Changed for Radiology CPT Codes in 2026
CPT 2026 delivered 418 total changes across the code set, and radiology picked up several worth flagging directly:
- New CTA codes: 70471 (combined CT angiography of the head and neck), plus 70472 and 70473 for CT cerebral perfusion
- Revascularization overhaul: The entire 37220–37235 family was deleted effective January 1, 2026 and replaced with 46 territory-based codes, 37254–37299
- A 2.5% efficiency adjustment is applied to work RVUs for non-time-based codes, which includes most of the radiology section
Practices still referencing a 2025 or earlier code list for these categories will see denials that have nothing to do with documentation - the code itself no longer exists.
Common Radiology CPT Code Mistakes to Avoid
- Coding from an outdated range list - as this guide opened with, even widely circulated references get radiologic guidance and nuclear medicine boundaries wrong
- Coding from the order instead of the radiologist's final report - when the two disagree on contrast or views, the report governs
- Missing RT/LT on unilateral extremity X-rays, or misapplying modifier 50 on a study that wasn't genuinely bilateral
- Billing both TC and 26 (or global plus a component modifier) when only one applies to what was actually performed
- Continuing to bill deleted codes like the 2025 revascularization family after the January 1, 2026 replacement took effect
Practices coordinating imaging alongside a broader chronic care program should also review how to prepare for a CMS CCM audit, since documentation habits that protect a radiology claim tend to be the same ones payers check during a care management review. For patients on complex medication regimens ahead of contrast-enhanced imaging, our guide to CPT codes for medication reconciliation covers the billing side of that review.
Where Radiology Billing Connects to Chronic Care Management
Circle Health doesn't perform or bill radiology studies directly - that stays with the imaging provider under the codes above. But diagnostic imaging is frequently part of monitoring the same chronic conditions Circle Health's programs manage: a chest X-ray tracking COPD progression, a bone density scan for a patient on long-term steroid therapy, or repeat imaging tied to the cost of chronic disease emotional economic burden that this guide's imaging often helps track. For a related imaging code family, our guide to Ultrasound CPT Codes covers the same complete-vs-limited logic that applies across diagnostic imaging generally.
Conclusion
Radiology CPT coding comes down to a few consistent checks: confirm the code range you're working from is current (not a copy-pasted 2019 list), match view count and laterality precisely for plain film X-rays, and split TC/26/global billing correctly based on who actually performed each piece of the service. Get those right, stay current each January when the AMA's annual code set changes take effect, and make most radiology denials preventable.
The AMA and CMS update radiology CPT codes, NCCI edits, and RVU adjustments annually, so treat this guide as a starting reference, not the final word. Always verify current codes against the latest CMS and AMA publications, and loop in your billing team or a certified coder whenever a claim doesn't fit neatly into the categories above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CPT code range for radiology?
Radiology CPT codes span 70010 to 79999. They are divided into seven subsections, including diagnostic radiology, ultrasound, radiologic guidance, mammography, radiation oncology, and nuclear medicine.
What is the CPT code for a chest X-ray?
CPT 71045 is used for a single-view chest X-ray, while 71046 covers two views. Codes 71047 and 71048 apply to three views and four or more views, respectively. Select the code based on the views documented in the radiology report.
What's the difference between modifier 26 and modifier TC?
Modifier 26 bills the professional component, including the radiologist's interpretation and report. Modifier TC covers the technical component, such as equipment, supplies, and technologist time. Global billing applies when one entity performs both components.
When is modifier 50 used in radiology billing?
Modifier 50 indicates a bilateral study. It is generally reimbursed at 150% of the unilateral rate. Use it only when both sides were imaged during the same session, not automatically for every paired-structure study.
What changed in radiology CPT codes for 2026?
The 2026 updates introduced new CT angiography codes, 70471–70473. The 37220–37235 revascularisation family was deleted and replaced with 46 territory-based codes, numbered 37254–37299. A 2.5% efficiency adjustment was also applied to work RVUs for non-time-based codes.
How can Circle Health help?
Circle Health does not directly perform or bill radiology or X-ray services. However, its AI-powered care management platform supports chronic care programmes such as CCM, RPM, PCM, BHI, and TCM for patients who may also require diagnostic imaging as part of ongoing condition monitoring.