United Healthcare Radiology
Compare United Healthcare's contracted rates for radiology services against national averages and other major payers. Use these benchmarks to identify underpaid codes, prepare for contract renegotiations, and validate your reimbursement strategy.
UnitedHealthcare operates the largest commercial network in the U.S., with significant rate variation by metro market, product line, and provider tier.
Introduction
Radiology reimbursement is shaped by the technical and professional component split, site-of-service differentials, and payer-specific fee schedule methodologies. Hospital outpatient departments, freestanding imaging centers, and physician offices often receive substantially different rates for identical imaging studies, making rate benchmarking essential for contract negotiations.
Imaging services are billed using CPT codes organized by modality — X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, and interventional procedures — with each study carrying distinct reimbursement rates across commercial payers. Understanding how your contracted rates compare to national averages is critical for optimizing imaging revenue and identifying underpaid studies.
Diagnostic X-Ray
General Radiography
Standard X-ray imaging used for initial evaluation of musculoskeletal, chest, and abdominal conditions. These are among the most commonly ordered imaging studies in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
| Billing Code | Description | Revenue Code | Description | Avg. National UHC Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71046 | Radiologic Examination Chest, Radiologic Examination Chest 2 Views Ainage Procedure If Performed With Open Cervical Pharyngogastrostomy Or Esophagogastrostomy (Ie Th | 0324 | Diagnostic X-ray | $37.11 |
| 71045 | Radiologic Examination Chest, Radiologic Examination Chest Single View Ainage Procedure If Performed With Open Cervical Pharyngogastrostomy Or Esophagogastrostomy (Ie Th | 0324 | Diagnostic X-ray | $26.95 |
| 74018 | Radiologic Examination Abdome, Radiologic Examination Abdomen 1 View Ainage Procedure If Performed With Open Cervical Pharyngogastrostomy Or Esophagogastrostomy (Ie Th | 0324 | Diagnostic X-ray | $33.17 |
| 73030 | X-Ray Shoulder;Complete,Minimum Of 2 Vie | 0324 | Diagnostic X-ray | $37.06 |
Mammography
Breast imaging for screening and diagnostic evaluation. Mammography reimbursement varies significantly by payer and is subject to mandated coverage requirements under the ACA.
| Billing Code | Description | Revenue Code | Description | Avg. National UHC Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77067 | Mammogram, Routine Screening Mammogram (Low-Dose Breast X-Ray) Of Both Breasts. Includes Computer-Assisted Interpretation Of The Images To Improve The Accuracy Of The Diagnosis. | 0403 | Mammography | $163.13 |
| 77066 | Mammogram To Aid Diagnosis, X-Ray Images Of Breast(S) Using Computer Assisted Detection System In Order To Facilitate Early Tumor Detection. | 0403 | Mammography | $201.63 |
| 77065 | Mammogram To Aid Diagnosis, X-Ray Images Of Breast(S) Using Computer Assisted Detection System In Order To Facilitate Early Tumor Detection. | 0403 | Mammography | $159.56 |
Bone Density (DEXA)
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for osteoporosis screening and monitoring. Typically reimbursed as a preventive service with specific frequency limitations by payer.
| Billing Code | Description | Revenue Code | Description | Avg. National UHC Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77080 | Bone Density Study, A Bone Density Study Measures The Amounts Of Calcium And Other Minerals With Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (Dexa). The Result Is An Assessment Of Bone Health. | 0324 | Diagnostic X-ray | $61.97 |
| 77081 | Bone Density Study, A Bone Density Study Measures The Amounts Of Calcium And Other Minerals With Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (Dexa). The Result Is An Assessment Of Bone Health. | 0324 | Diagnostic X-ray | $36.04 |
Computed Tomography (CT)
CT — Head & Neck
CT imaging of the head and neck, commonly used in emergency, neurological, and oncologic evaluation. Head CT without contrast is one of the highest-volume imaging studies performed in emergency departments.
| Billing Code | Description | Revenue Code | Description | Avg. National UHC Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70450 | Ct Scan Of Head Or Brain, A Ct Scanner Circles The Head Taking X-Rays Of The Skull And Brain And Assembles Them Into A 3-D Image. Dye (Contrast) May Be Used To Make The Area Easier To See. | 0350 | CT scan | $168.99 |
| 70460 | Ct Scan Of Head Or Brain, A Ct Scanner Circles The Head Taking X-Rays Of The Skull And Brain And Assembles Them Into A 3-D Image. Dye (Contrast) May Be Used To Make The Area Easier To See. | 0350 | CT scan | $226.82 |
| 70486 | Ct Scan Of Face And Jaw, A Ct Scanner Circles The Head Taking X-Rays Of The Face And Jaw And Assembles Them Into A 3-D Image. Dye Might Be Used To Highlight Areas On The Images. | 0350 | CT scan | $206.00 |
| 70490 | Ct Scan Of Neck, A Ct Scanner Circles The Head Taking X-Rays Of The Neck And Assembles Them Into A 3-D Image. Dye (Contrast) May Be Used To Make The Area Easier To See. | 0350 | CT scan | $227.96 |
CT — Chest
Chest CT imaging for pulmonary, cardiac, and mediastinal evaluation. CT chest with contrast is among the most commonly billed CT studies nationally.
| Billing Code | Description | Revenue Code | Description | Avg. National UHC Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71250 | Ct Scan Of Chest, A Ct Scanner Circles The Body Taking X-Rays Of The Chest And Assembles Them Into A 3-D Image. Dye (Contrast) May Be Used To Make The Area Easier To See. | 0350 | CT scan | $226.45 |
| 71260 | Ct Scan Of Chest, A Ct Scanner Circles The Body Taking X-Rays Of The Chest And Assembles Them Into A 3-D Image. Dye (Contrast) May Be Used To Make The Area Easier To See. | 0350 | CT scan | $277.20 |
| 71270 | Ct Scan Of Chest, A Ct Scanner Circles The Body Taking X-Rays Of The Chest And Assembles Them Into A 3-D Image. Dye (Contrast) May Be Used To Make The Area Easier To See. | 0350 | CT scan | $333.51 |
| 71275 | Ct Scan Chest Blood Vessels, A Ct (Computed Tomography) Angiogram Produces Images Of Non-Heart Blood Vessels In The Chest. The Scanner Circles The Body Taking X-Rays And Assembles Them Into A 3-D Image. Contrast Dye May Be Injected To Highlight A Specific Area. | 0350 | CT scan | $427.04 |
CT — Abdomen & Pelvis
Abdominal and pelvic CT imaging, frequently ordered for acute abdominal pain, trauma, and oncologic staging. Contrast-enhanced abdomen/pelvis CT is one of the highest-reimbursed routine imaging studies.
| Billing Code | Description | Revenue Code | Description | Avg. National UHC Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 74176 | Ct Scan Of Abdomen And Pelvis, A Ct Scan Of Both The Abdomen (Belly) And Pelvis. Ct Takes A Series Of X-Rays As The Machine Revolves Around The Body. Contrast Material May Be Injected During The Procedure To Enhance Details. | 0350 | CT scan | $243.54 |
| 74177 | Ct Scan Of Abdomen And Pelvis, A Ct Scan Of Both The Abdomen (Belly) And Pelvis. Ct Takes A Series Of X-Rays As The Machine Revolves Around The Body. Contrast Material May Be Injected During The Procedure To Enhance Details. | 0350 | CT scan | $388.87 |
| 74178 | Ct Scan Of Abdomen And Pelvis, A Ct Scan Of Both The Abdomen (Belly) And Pelvis. Ct Takes A Series Of X-Rays As The Machine Revolves Around The Body. Contrast Material May Be Injected During The Procedure To Enhance Details. | 0350 | CT scan | $455.55 |
| 74150 | Ct Scan Of Abdomen, Ct (Computed Tomography) Of The Abdomen. The Scanner Circles The Body Taking X-Rays And Assembles Them Into A 3-D Image. Dye May Be Injected To Make The Area Easier To See. | 0350 | CT scan | $213.78 |
CT — Musculoskeletal
CT imaging of the spine and extremities, used for fracture evaluation, surgical planning, and post-operative assessment.
| Billing Code | Description | Revenue Code | Description | Avg. National UHC Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72125 | Ct Scan Of Upper Spine, A Ct Scanner Circles The Body Taking X-Rays Of The Upper (Cervical) Spine And Assembles Them Into A 3-D Image. Dye (Contrast) May Be Used To Make The Area Easier To See. | 0350 | CT scan | $227.57 |
| 72131 | Ct Scan Of Lower Spine, Ct (Computed Tomography) Of Spine (Low Back). The Scanner Circles The Body Taking X-Rays And Assembles Them Into A 3-D Image. Dye May Be Injected To Make The Area Easier To See. | 0350 | CT scan | $225.76 |
| 73700 | Ct Scan Of The Leg, Ct (Computed Tomography) Of The Leg. The Scanner Circles The Body Taking X-Rays And Assembles Them Into A 3-D Image. Dye May Be Injected To Make The Area Easier To See. | 0350 | CT scan | $218.21 |
| 73200 | Ct Scan Of An Arm, A Ct (Computed Tomography) Scan Of The Arm. The Scanner Circles The Body Taking X-Rays And Assembles Them Into A 3-D Image. A Contrast Dye May Be Injected Through An Iv To Illuminate Specific Areas. | 0350 | CT scan | $232.91 |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI — Brain
Brain MRI for neurological evaluation including stroke, tumor, demyelination, and headache workup. Brain MRI with and without contrast is one of the highest-reimbursed MRI studies.
| Billing Code | Description | Revenue Code | Description | Avg. National UHC Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70551 | Mri Of Brain And Brainstem, An Mri (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Uses A Strong Magnetic Field To View And Create Images Of The Brain And Brainstem. A Contrast Agent May Be Introduced To Highlight Areas. Multiple Images May Be Taken. | 0610 | MRI | $370.39 |
| 70552 | Mri Of Brain And Brainstem, An Mri (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Uses A Strong Magnetic Field To View And Create Images Of The Brain And Brainstem. A Contrast Agent May Be Introduced To Highlight Areas. Multiple Images May Be Taken. | 0610 | MRI | $466.34 |
| 70553 | Mri Brain Stem W O W Dye, Magnetic Resonance Eg Proton Imaging Brain Including Brain Stem Without Contrast Material Followed By Contrast Material S And Further Sequences | 0610 | MRI | $612.71 |
MRI — Spine
Spine MRI for evaluation of disc herniation, spinal stenosis, cord compression, and post-surgical assessment. Lumbar spine MRI is one of the most frequently ordered MRI studies in outpatient practice.
| Billing Code | Description | Revenue Code | Description | Avg. National UHC Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72141 | Mri Inner Spine (Canal), An Mri (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Of The Interior Of The Upper Spine (Spinal Canal). A Contrast Agent May Be Given To Enhance The Images. | 0610 | MRI | $355.41 |
| 72146 | Mri Inner Spine (Canal), An Mri (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Of The Interior Of The Middle Spine (Spinal Canal). A Contrast Agent May Be Given To Enhance The Images. | 0610 | MRI | $363.57 |
| 72148 | Mri Inner Spine (Canal), An Mri (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Of The Interior Of The Lower Spine (Spinal Canal). A Contrast Agent May Be Given To Enhance The Images. | 0610 | MRI | $361.79 |
| 72156 | Mri Neck Spine W O W Dye, Magnetic Resonance Eg Proton Imaging Spinal Canal And Contents Without Contrast Material Followed By Contrast Material S And Further Sequences Cervical | 0610 | MRI | $616.20 |
MRI — Musculoskeletal
Joint and extremity MRI for evaluation of ligament tears, meniscal injuries, rotator cuff pathology, and bone marrow abnormalities. Knee and shoulder MRI are the highest-volume musculoskeletal studies.
| Billing Code | Description | Revenue Code | Description | Avg. National UHC Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 73721 | Mri Of A Leg Joint, An Mri (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Uses A Strong Magnetic Field To View And Create Images Of A Hip Knee Or Ankle Joint. A Contrast Agent May Be Introduced To Highlight An Area. Multiple Images May Be Taken. | 0610 | MRI | $365.55 |
| 73221 | Mri Of An Arm Joint, An Mri (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Uses A Strong Magnetic Field To View And Create Images Of A Shoulder Elbow Or Wrist Joint. A Contrast Agent May Be Introduced To Highlight An Area. Multiple Images May Be Taken. | 0610 | MRI | $364.01 |
| 73718 | Mri Of A Leg, An Mri (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Uses A Strong Magnetic Field To View And Create Images Of One Or Both Legs. Contrast Material May Be Introduced To Highlight An Area. Multiple Images May Be Taken. | 0610 | MRI | $405.47 |
| 73220 | Mri Of The Arm, An Mri (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Uses A Strong Magnetic Field To View And Create Images Of An Arm. A Contrast Agent Is Introduced To Highlight Areas And Multiple Images Are Taken. | 0610 | MRI | $696.99 |
MRI — Body
Abdominal, pelvic, and cardiac MRI for oncologic staging, liver characterization, and cardiac function assessment.
| Billing Code | Description | Revenue Code | Description | Avg. National UHC Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 74181 | Mri Of The Abdomen, An Mri (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Uses A Strong Magnetic Field To View And Create Images Of The Abdomen. A Contrast Agent May Be Introduced To Highlight An Area. Multiple Images May Be Taken. | 0610 | MRI | $372.18 |
| 74183 | Mri Of The Abdomen, An Mri (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Uses A Strong Magnetic Field To View And Create Images Of The Abdomen. A Contrast Agent Is Introduced To Highlight Areas And Multiple Images Are Taken. | 0610 | MRI | $645.12 |
| 72195 | Mri Of The Pelvis, An Mri (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Uses A Strong Magnetic Field To View And Create Images Of The Pelvis. A Contrast Agent May Be Introduced To Highlight An Area. Multiple Images May Be Taken. | 0610 | MRI | $415.27 |
| 75557 | Mri Heart Function Study, An Mri (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Uses A Strong Magnetic Field To Study The Heart Function. The Heart May Be Evaluated While It Is Working. The Muscle And Valves Are Evaluated. Blood Flow May Be Recorded. | 0610 | MRI | $433.37 |
Ultrasound
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Non-invasive ultrasound imaging for evaluation of abdominal organs, pelvic structures, soft tissue, and breast lesions. Ultrasound is a cost-effective first-line study with no radiation exposure.
| Billing Code | Description | Revenue Code | Description | Avg. National UHC Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76700 | Ultrasound Abdominal | 0402 | Ultrasound | $148.11 |
| 76705 | Echography Abdominal B-Scan, Echography Abdominal B-Scan Andor Real Time With Imagedocumentation Limited (Eg Single Organ Quadrant Follow-Up) | 0402 | Ultrasound | $110.45 |
| 76856 | Ultrasou Pelvic (Nonobstetric) Real Time W/ Image Documnt;, Ultrasound Pelvic (Nonobstetric) Real Time With Image Documentation; | 0402 | Ultrasound | $130.59 |
| 76641 | Ultrasound Breast Complete, Ultrasound Breast Unilateral Real Time With Image Documentation Including Axilla When Performed Complete | 0402 | Ultrasound | $127.45 |
Vascular Ultrasound
Duplex and Doppler ultrasound for evaluation of deep vein thrombosis, carotid stenosis, and peripheral arterial disease. Vascular ultrasound studies are critical for pre-surgical planning and post-procedural monitoring.
| Billing Code | Description | Revenue Code | Description | Avg. National UHC Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93880 | Ultrasound Head Neck Arteries, Ultrasound Of Arteries In The Head And Neck. The Procedure Is Performed On One Or Both Sides Of The Body And Evaluates Blood Flow. | 0402 | Ultrasound | $273.37 |
| 93970 | Duplex Scan Of Extremity Veins, Duplex Scan Of Extremity Veins Including Responsestocompression And Other Maneuvers Complete Bilat Eral Study | 0402 | Ultrasound | $269.30 |
| 93971 | Ultrasound Of Arm Or Leg Vein, Ultrasound To Determine If Blood Flow Is Adequate And To Identify Blockages In The Veins Of One Leg Or Arm Or Sections Of Both Legs Or Arms. | 0402 | Ultrasound | $171.16 |
| 93925 | Ultrasound Arteries In Legs, Ultrasound To Determine If Blood Flow Is Adequate Through Arteries Or Bypass Grafts. The Procedure Is Performed On Both Legs Or On A Section Or Single Leg. | 0402 | Ultrasound | $341.30 |
Interventional Radiology
Image-Guided Biopsies & Procedures
Minimally invasive procedures performed under imaging guidance, including biopsies, drainages, and vascular access. These procedures are typically reimbursed at significantly higher rates than diagnostic imaging and represent a growing share of radiology department revenue.
| Billing Code | Description | Revenue Code | Description | Avg. National UHC Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19083 | Bx Breast 1st Lesion Us Imag, Biopsy Breast With Placement Of Breast Localization Device S Eg Clip Metallic Pellet When Performed And Imaging Of The Biopsy Specimen When Performed Percutaneous First Lesion Including Ultrasound Guidance | 0610 | MRI | $818.36 |
| 49083 | Remove Fluid From Abdomen, A Procedure To Remove Excess Fluid That Has Accumulated In The Abdomen. In Some Cases Scans Are Used To Help View The Area. | 0610 | Interventional radiology | $413.06 |
| 32554 | Drainage Of Fluid Around Lungs, A Procedure To Drain Fluid Surrounding The Lungs And Reinflate The Lungs With A Needle Or Tube. Imaging Guidance May Be Used To Better View The Area. | 0610 | Interventional radiology | $450.72 |
| 10005 | Obtain Tissue Through A Needle, Biopsy In Which A Thin Hollow Needle Is Inserted Through The Skin Guided By Ultrasound Into A Mass Or Fluid To Collect A Sample. | 0610 | Interventional radiology | $167.58 |
Vascular Interventions
Catheter-based vascular procedures including angiography, embolization, and venous access device placement. These high-complexity procedures carry the highest reimbursement rates in radiology.
| Billing Code | Description | Revenue Code | Description | Avg. National UHC Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36561 | Tunneled Catheter With Port, Surgically Embedding (Tunneling) A Thin Tube (Catheter) Into A Major Vein Next To The Heart. The Catheter Has A Port Or A Pump Under The Skin For Direct Repeated Access To The Vein To Give Fluids Medications Or To Draw Blood. | 0610 | Interventional radiology | $1,518.28 |
| 36573 | Insj Picc Rs I 5 Yr, Insertion Of Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter Picc Without Subcutaneous Port Or Pump Including All Imaging Guidance Image Documentation And All Associated Radiological Supervision And Interpretation Required To Perform The Insertion Age 5 Years Or Older | 0610 | Interventional radiology | $539.39 |
| 37243 | Vasc Embolize Occlude Organ, Vascular Embolization Or Occlusion Inclusive Of All Radiological Supervision And Interpretation Intraprocedural Roadmapping And Imaging Guidance Necessary To Complete The Intervention For Tumors Organ Ischemia Or Infarction | 0610 | Interventional radiology | $13,022.71 |
| 75726 | X-Ray Of Abdominal Vessels, Angiography Examines The Health Of One Or More Blood Vessels In The Abdomen. An X-Ray Is Taken After Introducing A Contrast Agent To Highlight The Blood Flow. | 0610 | Interventional radiology | $273.67 |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of negotiated prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services. These prices vary by payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the applicable fee schedule helps providers optimize billing for accurate reimbursement and helps patients anticipate out-of-pocket costs.
Factors that affect fee schedules
Medicare & Medicaid Rates
Government-set reimbursement amounts.
Private Insurance Rates
Negotiated rates between providers and insurance companies.
Geographic Location
Costs may be higher in urban areas.
Provider Type
Hospital providers may have different rates than private practice.
View radiology fee schedules for other major payers
What is Price Transparency?
The federal Price Transparency Rule took effect in July 2022, requiring all commercial payers to publicly disclose their prices through machine-readable files (MRFs). This landmark regulation mandates that insurance companies make healthcare costs transparent to the public. Read more here.
PayerPrice gives you access to the actual prices that insurers are legally required to publish under the Price Transparency Rule. We deliver this data exactly as reported in the insurers' machine-readable files, giving you an accurate view of negotiated rates. While insurers occasionally report incomplete or inaccurate data, our platform ensures you see the same information that insurers have made publicly available.
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