Summary & Overview
CPT 74430: Radiologic Imaging of the Urinary Bladder, Minimum Three Views
CPT code 74430 covers radiologic imaging supervision and interpretation for visualization of the urinary bladder, requiring a minimum of three views. This diagnostic imaging code is used nationally across outpatient imaging centers and hospital radiology departments to evaluate bladder anatomy and function for a range of clinical indications. The code matters because imaging-based bladder evaluation informs diagnosis and management of urologic conditions, guides surgical planning, and supports clinical decision-making.
Key payers referenced in the analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context for bladder radiography, common billing considerations, and where CPT code 74430 fits among radiologic service lines. The publication also highlights typical sites of service and payer coverage considerations relevant to national billing practices.
The report provides benchmarks and policy context where available, outlines common modifiers and billing practice notes, and summarizes operational implications for imaging departments and billing teams. Data not provided in the input are noted explicitly where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 74430 describes imaging supervision and interpretation to visualize the urinary bladder using X-ray images. The procedure requires the provider to take and review a minimum of three views to assess bladder anatomy and function.
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Service type: Diagnostic radiologic imaging of the urinary bladder
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Typical site of service: Outpatient imaging centers, hospital radiology departments, or ambulatory surgical centers where radiographic bladder studies are performed
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Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult presenting to the radiology department or emergency department with lower urinary tract symptoms such as hematuria, recurrent urinary tract infections, bladder pain, or suspected bladder injury. The clinician orders fluoroscopic imaging of the urinary bladder to evaluate bladder contour, integrity, filling and emptying, or to detect fistulae or vesicoureteral reflux. The patient is positioned supine on the X‑ray table; the provider performs cystography or retrograde cystogram technique with instillation of contrast via a urethral catheter when indicated. The imaging provider acquires and reviews a minimum of three radiographic views (including AP and oblique or lateral views) under fluoroscopic supervision. The procedure typically occurs in an outpatient radiology suite, ambulatory surgery center, or hospital imaging department. Documentation includes indication, contrast type and volume, number and orientation of views, fluoroscopic time if applicable, findings describing bladder wall, extravasation, filling defects, reflux, and the interpretation signed by the supervising physician.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | When reporting only the interpreting physician's portion separate from technical component |
TC |