71045 X-ray examination chest 1 view
Also known as: chest X-ray, posteroanterior (PA) chest X-ray, CXR, lung film, chest x-ray single view, CXR 1 view
Frontal chest radiograph obtained in one view showing the thoracic cavity including lungs, heart, mediastinum, and adjacent structures.
In Plain Language
lung X-ray; chest picture
Clinical Context
Most common radiographic study for evaluation of dyspnea, cough, fever, chest pain, and screening. Useful for pneumonia, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, and cardiac silhouette assessment.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.18 |
| Total RVU | 0.18 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
Radiology codes require a written order, clinical indication, and a formal interpretation report. The professional component (modifier -26) and technical component (modifier -TC) may be billed separately.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 0.18, this code ranks in the 9th percentile among Radiology codes — 4.5x below the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 71045?
CPT 71045 (X-ray examination chest 1 view) is a Radiology code. Frontal chest radiograph obtained in one view showing the thoracic cavity including lungs, heart, mediastinum, and adjacent structures.
Who uses CPT code 71045?
CPT 71045 is used by Pulmonology, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine. Most common radiographic study for evaluation of dyspnea, cough, fever, chest pain, and screening. Useful for pneumonia, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, and cardiac silhouette assessment.
When is CPT 71045 used?
Most common radiographic study for evaluation of dyspnea, cough, fever, chest pain, and screening. Useful for pneumonia, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, and cardiac silhouette assessment.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.