Radiologic examination, ribs, unilateral; including posteroanterior chest, minimum 3 views

CPT 71101 is the billing code for "Radiologic examination, ribs, unilateral; including posteroanterior chest, minimum 3 views". For unilateral rib X-ray including posteroanterior chest with minimum 3 views

Medicare pays approximately $40.76 for CPT 71101 (national average). Actual payment varies by geographic location due to GPCI adjustments. Hospital and commercial insurance rates are typically 2-4x higher than Medicare rates.

CPT 71101 has a total RVU of 2.86, broken down as: Work RVU 0.60, Practice Expense RVU 2.20, and Malpractice RVU 0.06. RVUs (Relative Value Units) determine Medicare reimbursement rates.

Key documentation requirements for CPT 71101 include: Indication for rib X-ray; Unilateral ribs; Posteroanterior chest included; Minimum 3 views obtained. Missing or incomplete documentation is a leading cause of claim denials for this code.

Bundling considerations for CPT 71101: Includes minimum 3 views unilateral ribs. Includes posteroanterior chest Use an NCCI bundling checker to verify specific code combinations before billing.

Common modifiers for CPT 71101 include: 26 (Professional component only (interpretation)), TC (Technical component only (equipment/staff)), 50 (Bilateral procedure when both sides performed same session). Modifiers indicate special circumstances and can affect reimbursement or prevent claim denials.

The typical time requirement for CPT 71101 is 12-18 minutes typical procedure time. Time-based codes require documentation of the actual time spent providing the service.