Radiology · CMS status A
73721
MRI lower extremity joint, without contrast
Magnetic resonance imaging of any joint of the lower extremity (typically knee or ankle), without contrast material. CMS 2026 global wRVU 1.48, total RVU approximately 7.18, Medicare global allowable approximately $240. The workhorse outpatient joint MRI for internal derangement, ligament tear, and meniscal pathology.
Work RVU
1.48
2026 Medicare pays
$239.82
National GPCI · non-facility · CF $33.4009
RVU anatomyWork 1.48 + Practice 5.60 + Malpractice 0.10 = 7.18 total
Work (your effort)Practice expenseMalpractice
Billing guidance for 73721 is locked
- When to use it: the exact clinical situations that support billing 73721
- Documentation checklist: the 5 elements your note needs before submitting
- Common pitfalls: the 5 mistakes that get 73721 downcoded or denied
Start your free 3-month trial →Every new account gets full Pro Max access for 3 months. No card needed.
Common modifiers
26TCRTLT
Common ICD-10 pairings
S83.241AM23.005M17.10S86.011AM87.051
Payer notes
Medicare covers 73721 for appropriate joint MRI indications. Commercial payers commonly require prior auth and documentation of failed conservative care. Worker's comp varies by carrier. Bilateral studies should be billed twice with modifier RT and LT on each side, not modifier 50 (which is reserved for codes with a CMS-defined bilateral indicator).
Pairs well with
Educational reference, not billing or legal advice. Verify against your payer contracts and your compliance team before submission.