CT angiography of one lower extremity with contrast, including any non-contrast images and the image post-processing, to map the arteries of the leg.
- Medicare
- $321.65
- Work RVU
- 1.85
- Global, days
- Region
- Multi-region
Documentation requirements
What must appear in the operative or office note to support the claim.
Source · Editorial brief grounded in 3 cited references ↓
- Vascular indication (abnormal pulses, ABI, suspected arterial injury, flap planning)
- Contrast phase, any non-contrast images, and the post-processing performed
- Laterality
- Signed interpretation describing the vessels
- Prior authorization matching 73706
Applicable modifiers
Modifiers commonly billed with this code.
Source · AMA CPT modifier descriptors · CMS NCCI Policy Manual
What this code covers
Source · Editorial summary grounded in 3 cited references ↓
CT angiography of one leg, post-processing included, is 73706. Ortho surgeons order it after a knee dislocation or tibial plateau fracture with a concerning vascular exam, for limb salvage planning, before free fibula flap harvest, and occasionally before complex foot and ankle reconstruction in a patient with poor pulses.
The code is per extremity. If both legs are scanned as part of a runoff from the abdominal aorta, the right code is usually 75635 (CTA of the abdominal aorta and bilateral iliofemoral runoff), not two units of 73706.
The 3D rendering is bundled. Do not report 76376 or 76377 on top of 73706. If a plain CT of the same leg for fracture detail is done at the same session, it can be reported separately only when the order and report show a separate, non-vascular study, usually with modifier 59 or XU. Include laterality and get prior authorization for commercial plans.
RVU & reimbursement
Component RVUs and Medicare national rate. Actual payment varies by GPCI locality.
Source · CMS Physician Fee Schedule, RVU26A · January 2026
Work RVU vs. total RVU
The work RVU (1.85) is the surgeon's own effort — the figure physician pay and productivity targets are built on. The total RVU (9.63) adds practice overhead and malpractice, and is what drives the Medicare payment below.
| Work RVU | 1.85 |
| Practice expense RVU | 7.62 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.16 |
| Total RVU | 9.63 |
| Medicare national rate | $321.65 |
| Global period | days |
Payment by site of service
Medicare pays different rates by setting. HOPD typically pays substantially more than ASC for the same procedure.
Source · CMS OPPS Addendum B·ASC HCPCS payment rates·2026
| Setting | Medicare rate (national) |
|---|---|
Office (PFS non-facility) Procedure performed in physician's office | $321.65 |
HOPD (APC 5571) Hospital outpatient department | $179.20 |
Common denial reasons
The recurring reasons claims for CPT 73706 get rejected.
Source · Editorial brief grounded in CMS NCCI edits, AAOS coding appeals, and cited references ↓
- Bilateral runoff billed as two units of 73706 instead of 75635
- 3D reconstruction code added and denied as bundled
- No vascular reason in the diagnosis codes
- Same-day non-contrast CT billed without a distinct order and report
- Missing prior authorization
Frequently asked questions
Source · Generated from the editorial pipeline, verified against 3 cited references ↓
01Can I bill 76376 or 76377 with 73706?
02Should a bilateral leg runoff be 73706 twice?
03When would an orthopedic surgeon order 73706?
Sources & references
Editorial content was developed using the following public sources.
Mira Scribe
Mira Scribe notes capture the pulse exam and vascular concern after injury or before reconstruction, so the CTA order has a clear vascular reason behind it.
See how Mira captures CPT 73706 documentation