CPT 73221 Radiology
MRI upper extremity without contrast Cost
Body System: Musculoskeletal
Medicare Facility Rate
$79
CMS PFS CY2026
Medicare Non-Facility Rate
$284
Office/clinic setting
Hospital Outpatient
$244
OPPS rate
Surgery Center (ASC)
$131
ASC rate
Relative Value Units (RVUs)
Medicare payment = Total RVU × Conversion Factor ($33.40 for CY 2026)
1.06
Work RVU
1.30
Facility PE RVU
0.08
Malpractice RVU
Cost by Location
| Location | Medicare Rate | Est. Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| AK — ALASKA | $237 | $308 — $474 |
| AL — ALABAMA | $185 | $240 — $370 |
| AR — ARKANSAS | $182 | $237 — $365 |
| AZ — ARIZONA | $201 | $261 — $402 |
| CA — BAKERSFIELD | $221 | $287 — $442 |
| CA — CHICO | $221 | $287 — $441 |
| CA — EL CENTRO | $221 | $287 — $441 |
| CA — FRESNO | $221 | $287 — $441 |
| CA — HANFORD-CORCORAN | $221 | $287 — $441 |
| CA — LOS ANGELES-LONG BEACH-ANAHEIM (LOS ANGELES/ORANGE CNTY) | $236 | $307 — $472 |
| CA — MADERA | $221 | $287 — $441 |
| CA — MERCED | $221 | $287 — $441 |
| CA — MODESTO | $221 | $287 — $441 |
| CA — NAPA | $258 | $335 — $516 |
| CA — OXNARD-THOUSAND OAKS-VENTURA | $235 | $306 — $470 |
| CA — REDDING | $221 | $287 — $441 |
| CA — REST OF CALIFORNIA | $221 | $287 — $441 |
| CA — RIVERSIDE-SAN BERNARDINO-ONTARIO | $222 | $288 — $443 |
| CA — SACRAMENTO-ROSEVILLE-FOLSOM | $232 | $302 — $464 |
| CA — SALINAS | $231 | $301 — $463 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does MRI upper extremity without contrast cost?
The Medicare facility rate is $79. Commercial insurance typically pays 150-250% of Medicare rates (varies). Hospital outpatient rate: $244. Ambulatory surgery center rate: $131.
How much does MRI upper extremity without contrast cost without insurance?
Without insurance, you may pay the hospital's chargemaster rate, which is often 300-500% of Medicare. Ask about cash-pay discounts — many facilities offer 20-40% off for self-pay patients. The Medicare baseline for this procedure is $79.