CPT 73030: Shoulder X-Ray, Complete
CPT 73030 reports a radiologic examination of the shoulder, complete, minimum of 2 views. It is the standard shoulder series for trauma, pain, or reduced range of motion. In 2026 Medicare pays about $35.74 for the global service, which splits into a professional (modifier 26) and technical (modifier TC) component.
- Code type
- Diagnostic radiology (shoulder, complete)
- 2026 Medicare (global)
- $35.74
- Components
- Professional (26) + Technical (TC); PC/TC indicator 1
- Global period
- XXX (concept does not apply)
What is CPT 73030 used for?
CPT 73030 reports a radiologic examination of the shoulder, complete, minimum of 2 views. It is the workhorse shoulder series ordered for trauma, suspected fracture or dislocation, rotator-cuff pain, arthritis, or limited range of motion. A "complete" study means two or more views — commonly AP in internal and external rotation, or an AP plus an axillary or scapular Y projection.
If only a single view is taken, the correct code is 73020, not 73030. As with all plain-film radiography, the code is driven by the number of documented views, so the images in the record must support the level billed.
How much does 73030 pay in 2026, and how does the 26/TC split work?
The 2026 national Medicare allowed amount for the global service is about $35.74. Because 73030 carries a PC/TC indicator of 1, the global fee divides into two separately billable components:
| Component | Modifier | Covers | Approx. 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional | 26 | Physician interpretation and report | ~$8.70 |
| Technical | TC | Equipment, film, technologist, overhead | ~$27.04 |
| Global | (none) | Both, same entity | ~$35.74 |
The professional and technical amounts always sum to the global fee, so splitting versus billing global never changes total reimbursement. Confirm your locality-adjusted rate with the Medicare fee calculator.
Who bills the professional and technical components?
Billing hinges on the setting. Example: a patient gets a complete shoulder series in a hospital outpatient department. The hospital captures the technical resources through its facility payment, and the interpreting radiologist bills 73030-26 for about $8.70. The $35.74 global is never billed by either party in that scenario.
- Orthopedic office that owns the unit and reads the films: bill 73030 global for ~$35.74.
- Hospital owns the equipment; radiologist reads: facility bills the technical side, radiologist bills 73030-26.
- Your group owns the equipment but outsources the read: bill 73030-TC for the technical portion only.
How does 73030 fit the shoulder X-ray family?
Shoulder radiography, like chest radiography, is coded by the number of views documented on the date of service.
- 73020 — shoulder, single view.
- 73030 — shoulder, complete (2 or more views).
- 73040 — shoulder, arthrography, radiological supervision and interpretation.
Another everyday plain-film code coded the same way is 71046 for a two-view chest X-ray. The interpretation and payment mechanics are shared across radiology — see modifier 26 and modifier TC for the split rules.
Frequently asked questions
The 2026 national Medicare allowed amount for the global shoulder series is about $35.74. That global fee is the sum of the professional component (interpretation, modifier 26) and the technical component (equipment and staff, modifier TC). Medicare pays 80 percent after the deductible, leaving the patient or secondary the 20 percent coinsurance.
Append modifier 26 when your physician only interprets a shoulder study performed elsewhere — the professional component. Append modifier TC when your entity owns the X-ray equipment and takes the films but a different physician reads them. Bill 73030 global (no modifier) only when the same entity both performs and interprets the study, common in an orthopedic office with in-house radiography.
73030 requires a minimum of two views of the shoulder. If only a single view is obtained, report 73020 instead. The complete series typically includes an AP in internal and external rotation, or an AP plus axillary or scapular Y view. The record must document at least two distinct views to support 73030.
Sources & further reading
Reviewed by the ImmediCare Solutions RCM team
Certified billers and coders handling claims across 50+ specialties nationwide. This entry is reviewed against current payer policy and CMS rules. Last review: Jul 5, 2026.
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