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    v1.0.30
    OpenPayerBilling CodesDiagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) Procedures of the AbdomenCPT cpt-74018-single-abdomen-xray-view
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    CPT 74018: Single-View Abdominal X‑Ray

    Medicare pays $21 on average nationally for this procedure.

    CPT code 74018 describes a single-view radiographic examination of the abdomen performed to evaluate the structures and organs in the abdominal cavity; this is an abdominal X‑ray service typically classified as a diagnostic radiology procedure and is commonly performed in radiology departments, emergency departments, and outpatient imaging centers to identify causes of abdominal pain, obstruction, or other acute abdominal conditions.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulation for Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders, Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) Coverage Policy, Radiofrequency Therapy for Fecal Incontinence.

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    Table of contents

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A typical adult patient presents to the emergency department with acute onset diffuse abdominal pain and decreased bowel movements. The emergency physician orders a single-view abdominal radiograph to evaluate for bowel obstruction, free intraperitoneal air, ileus, or radiopaque foreign body. The patient arrives in the radiology suite or portable radiography is performed at bedside if the patient is unstable. The radiologic technologist verifies identity, pregnancy status for females of childbearing age, and performs a single supine (or upright if indicated) abdominal radiograph using appropriate shielding and exposure. The image is reviewed by the radiologist who documents findings and issues a report to the ordering clinician. Billing uses 74018 for one view of abdominal structures; clinical documentation includes indication, view(s) obtained, positioning, and radiologist interpretation.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    74019Radiologic examination, abdomen; 2 viewsPerformed when two views are clinically indicated (e.g., supine and upright) instead of a single view billed with 74018.
    74176Computed tomography, abdomen; without contrast materialFollow-up advanced imaging when plain radiograph is insufficient to evaluate suspected intra‑abdominal pathology.
    76700Ultrasound, abdominal, real time with image documentation; limited studyAlternative or adjunct imaging for suspected free fluid, appendicitis, or biliary pathology when radiograph is not diagnostic.
    74022Radiologic examination, abdomen; acute abdominal series (includes supine and upright or lateral decubitus)Used when a more complete acute abdominal series is performed instead of a single-view 74018.
    71045Radiologic examination, chest; single view, frontalOften performed with abdominal radiograph when evaluating for free air beneath the diaphragm or alternate chest pathology.

    Related Modifiers

    7 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    59Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
    76Modifier -76, Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician or Other Qualified Health Care Professional, is appended when the same provider performs an identical, medically necessary procedure or…- Use modifier -76 when the same physician or other qualified health care professional performs an identical procedure or service a second (or subsequent) time on the same date of service and the…
    77Modifier 77 indicates that a previously performed procedure or service was legitimately repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional. The AMA’s CPT definition…- Use modifier 77 when a basic procedure or service already performed is repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional (for example, a second provider independently…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    3104A0625X
    385HR2060X
    207RH0005X
    261QS1000X
    363LN0000X
    208100000X
    207VG0400X
    167G00000X

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    21 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    A41.9Sepsis, unspecified organism
    K35.80Unspecified acute appendicitis
    K52.9Noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis, unspecified
    K56.2Volvulus
    K57.30Diverticulosis of large intestine without perforation or abscess without bleeding
    K59.00Constipation, unspecified
    K59.09Other constipation
    K63.5Polyp of colon
    K80.00Calculus of gallbladder with acute cholecystitis without obstruction
    K80.20Calculus of gallbladder without cholecystitis without obstruction

    Showing 1–10 of 21

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Gastroenterology1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulation for Functional Abdominal Pain Disordersbcbsvermont2026-12-01
    Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) Coverage Policyevicore2026-11-05
    Radiofrequency Therapy for Fecal IncontinenceCigna2026-10-15
    Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation for the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)univerahealthcare2026-10-15
    High-Resolution Anoscopy (HRA)Premera Bluecross2026-10-01
    Gastroesophageal and Gastrointestinal (GI) Services and ProceduresColorado Rocky Mountain Health Plans2026-10-01
    Serum Testing for Hepatic Fibrosis in the Evaluation and Monitoring of Chronic Liver DiseaseOscar Health2026-10-01
    Fecal Analysis in the Diagnosis of Intestinal Dysbiosis and Fecal Microbiota Transplant TestingOscar Health2026-10-01
    Pancreatic Enzyme Testing for Acute PancreatitisOscar Health2026-10-01
    Helicobacter pylori TestingOscar Health2026-10-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-74019-ABDOMEN-XRAY-TWO-VIEWS

    CPT 74019: Abdominal X‑ray, Two Views

    CPT-74021-ABDOMINAL-RADIOGRAPHIC-3-OR-MORE-VIEWS

    CPT 74021: Abdominal X‑ray, Three or More Views

    CPT-74022-ACUTE-ABDOMEN-SERIES-WITH-CHEST-VIEW

    CPT 74022: Radiographs of Abdomen with Single Chest View for Acute Abdomen

    CPT-74150-CT-ABDOMEN-NON-CONTRAST

    CPT 74150: CT Abdomen, Noncontrast

    CPT-74160-CT-ABDOMEN-WITH-CONTRAST

    CPT 74160: CT Scan of Abdomen with Contrast

    CPT-74170-CT-ABDOMEN-WITH-AND-WITHOUT-CONTRAST

    CPT 74170: CT Abdomen, without and with Contrast

    CPT-74174-CT-ANGIOGRAPHY-ABDOMEN-PELVIS-CONTRAST

    CPT 74174: CT Angiography of Abdomen and Pelvis with Contrast

    CPT-74175-ABDOMINAL-CT-ANGIOGRAPHY-CONTRAST

    CPT 74175: CT Angiography of Abdomen with Contrast

    CPT-74176-CT-ABDOMEN-PELVIS-WITHOUT-CONTRAST

    CPT 74176: CT Abdomen and Pelvis Without Contrast

    CPT-74177-CT-ABDOMEN-PELVIS-WITH-CONTRAST

    CPT 74177: CT Abdomen and Pelvis With Contrast

    Showing 1–10 of 16

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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