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71045 CPT Code: Chest X-Ray (Single View) Rules

Last Updated: January 14, 2026

The AMA overhauled chest x-ray codes a few years ago, replacing the old codes with a strict "number of views" system. CPT 71045 represents a single-view chest x-ray (usually a PA or AP view).

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2026 Medicare National Fee (71045): Non-Facility (Office): $33.24 · Facility (Hospital): $33.24
✓ 1 Medicare-Approved ICD-10 Diagnoses on file for 71045:

Counting the Views

You must count the exact number of radiographic views taken:

  • 71045: Radiologic examination, chest; single view.
  • 71046: Two views (e.g., PA and Lateral).
  • 71047: Three views.
  • 71048: Four or more views.

Medical Necessity

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Routine chest x-rays for asymptomatic patients (e.g., preoperative clearance without cardiac/pulmonary symptoms) are frequently denied by Medicare. Valid indications include cough (R05.9 ↗) or shortness of breath (R06.02 ↗).

NCCI Edits

If a single view (71045) is taken in the morning, and the patient deteriorates requiring a two-view (71046) in the afternoon, appropriate modifiers (like 59 or XE) are required to bypass mutually exclusive edits.

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