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    OpenPayerBilling CodesDiagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) Procedures of the Gastrointestinal TractCPT cpt-74221-double-contrast-esophagram-barium-effervescent
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    CPT 74221: Double-Contrast Esophagram with Barium and Effervescent Agent

    Medicare pays $73 on average nationally for this procedure.

    CPT code 74221 describes a double-contrast X-ray study of the esophagus using high-density barium and an effervescent agent, including scout films before barium ingestion and delayed films after ingestion when performed; this is an imaging diagnostic service typically performed in a radiology department or outpatient imaging center as a fluoroscopic contrast study of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

    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 58-year-old patient presents with progressive dysphagia to solids, intermittent retrosternal chest pain, and a 10-pound weight loss over two months. The referring gastroenterologist orders a contrast esophagram to evaluate for structural lesions, strictures, hiatal hernia, or motility abnormalities. The radiology department schedules an outpatient double-contrast esophagram performed by a radiologic technologist with fluoroscopic guidance and interpreted by a radiologist.

    The clinical workflow: the patient arrives at the imaging center, history and allergy screening are completed, and consent is obtained. Scout radiographs are taken prior to contrast ingestion. The patient ingests high-density barium and an effervescent agent while the technologist and radiologist obtain real-time fluoroscopic views in upright and oblique positions. Dynamic and delayed films are captured to assess mucosal detail, filling defects, and transit. Images are archived in the PACS and the radiologist documents findings, impression, and recommendations in the radiology report. The report is transmitted to the referring provider; coding for billing uses 74221 for the double-contrast esophagram.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    74220Contrast esophagram, single contrastAlternative to 74221 when single-contrast study is performed instead of double-contrast.
    74240Esophagram with delayed imaging or motility assessmentMay be performed in conjunction when extended delayed views or motility-specific studies are required.
    74261Upper GI and small bowel follow-through, including esophagus and stomachUsed when study is expanded to include stomach and small bowel transit beyond the esophagus.
    76000Fluoroscopy, up to one hour physician timeUsed when prolonged fluoroscopic guidance is separately reported by time and supported by documentation (payer rules apply).
    76604Ultrasound, radiologic, soft tissues of head and neckOccasionally used adjunctively if neck pathology is suspected; not routine.

    Related Modifiers

    10 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…
    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…
    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…
    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…
    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…
    50Modifier –50 (Bilateral Procedure) is appended to a CPT code when an identical procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures during the same operative session. The AMA states to add…- Use modifier -50 when the same CPT surgical, diagnostic, or radiology procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures (both sides of the body) during the same operative/session by the same…
    62Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
    80CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    111N00000X
    207RC0000X
    2471Q0001X
    208G00000X
    246XC2903X
    2472R0900X
    364SP0808X
    2086P0122X

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    25 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    C15.3Malignant neoplasm of upper third of esophagus
    C15.9Malignant neoplasm of esophagus, unspecified
    F45.41Pain disorder exclusively related to psychological factors
    J39.8Other specified diseases of upper respiratory tract
    K21.9Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis
    K22.2Esophageal obstruction
    K25.9Gastric ulcer, unspecified as acute or chronic, without hemorrhage or perforation
    K29.70Gastritis, unspecified, without bleeding
    K31.84Gastroparesis
    K44.0Diaphragmatic hernia with obstruction, without gangrene

    Showing 1–10 of 25

    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-74210-PHARYNX-CERVICAL-ESOPHAGUS-CONTRAST-STUDY

    CPT 74210: Radiologic Exam of Pharynx and Cervical Esophagus with Contrast

    CPT-74220-ESOPHAGRAM-FLUOROSCOPIC-BARIUM-SWALLOW

    CPT 74220: Fluoroscopic Esophagram (Barium Swallow)

    CPT-74230-VIDEOFLUOROSCOPIC-SWALLOW-STUDY

    CPT 74230: Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study

    CPT-74235-ESOPHAGEAL-FOREIGN-BODY-REMOVAL-IMAGING-INTERPRETATION

    CPT 74235: Imaging Supervision for Esophageal Foreign Body Removal

    CPT-74240-UPPER-GASTROINTESTINAL-SERIES-BARIUM-CONTRAST

    CPT 74240: Upper Gastrointestinal Barium Contrast Study

    CPT-74246-UPPER-GI-DOUBLE-CONTRAST-FLUOROSCOPY

    CPT 74246: Upper GI Series with Air and High-Density Barium

    CPT-74248-SMALL-INTESTINE-FOLLOW-THROUGH-AFTER-UPPER-GASTROINTESTINAL-STUDY

    CPT 74248: Small Intestine Follow-Through, Multiple Series

    CPT-74250-SMALL-BOWEL-SINGLE-CONTRAST-BARIUM-STUDY

    CPT 74250: Small Bowel Single‑Contrast Barium Study

    CPT-74251-SMALL-BOWEL-DOUBLE-CONTRAST-ENTERIC-RADIOGRAPHY

    CPT 74251: Small Bowel Double-Contrast Enteroclysis

    CPT-74261-CT-COLONOGRAPHY-NO-CONTRAST

    CPT 74261: CT Colon, Non-Contrast

    Showing 1–10 of 25

    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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