73221 MRI joint upper extremity without dye
Also known as: Joint MRI without contrast, Single joint upper extremity MRI, MRI shoulder without contrast, shoulder MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging of a single upper extremity joint without gadolinium contrast to assess articular cartilage, ligaments, and intra-articular structures.
In Plain Language
MRI of one upper arm joint without dye
Clinical Context
Focused evaluation of shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand joint pathology including rotator cuff, labral tears, meniscal lesions, and ligament injuries.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.32 |
| Total RVU | 1.32 |
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 1.32, this code ranks in the 73rd percentile among Radiology codes — 1.6x the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 73221?
CPT 73221 (MRI joint upper extremity without dye) is a Radiology code. Magnetic resonance imaging of a single upper extremity joint without gadolinium contrast to assess articular cartilage, ligaments, and intra-articular structures.
Who uses CPT code 73221?
CPT 73221 is used by Radiology, Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine. Focused evaluation of shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand joint pathology including rotator cuff, labral tears, meniscal lesions, and ligament injuries.
When is CPT 73221 used?
Focused evaluation of shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand joint pathology including rotator cuff, labral tears, meniscal lesions, and ligament injuries.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against national data — all in one app.
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.