Understanding the 2026 Cost Analysis Survey for Medicare Allowances on Portable X-Ray Transportation Codes R0070 and R0075
Introduction
Medicare plays a critical role in ensuring beneficiaries receive medically necessary diagnostic services, including the transportation of portable X-ray imaging for patients unable to travel to a healthcare facility. MACs periodically perform cost analysis surveys to assess and update payment allowances for various services to ensure appropriate reimbursement rates.
The CMS has directed MACs to conduct a cost analysis survey for the transportation components of portable X-ray services every five years, specifically for HCPCS codes R0070 and R0075. Understanding the reasons behind this survey and its impact on reimbursement rates is crucial for providers delivering these services.
What Are HCPCS Codes R0070 and R0075?
- R0070 – Transportation of portable X-ray equipment and personnel to home or nursing home, per trip to facility or location, one patient seen
- R0075 – Transportation of portable X-ray equipment and personnel to home or nursing home, per trip to facility or location, more than one patient seen.
Since these transportation costs are separate from an X-ray's technical and professional components, their reimbursement rates must reflect the actual expenses incurred by providers to deliver these mobile services.
Why Is Medicare Conducting a Cost Analysis Survey?
There are several key reasons why MACs are performing a cost analysis survey to establish the 2026 allowances for R0070 and R0075:
1. Ensuring Accurate Reimbursement Based on Actual Costs
MACs must determine whether the current payment allowances for these codes align with providers' real-world costs. Fuel prices, vehicle maintenance, personnel wages and overhead costs may have changed significantly since the last cost analysis. Medicare aims to establish fair and sustainable reimbursement rates by collecting updated cost data.
2. Addressing Geographic Variations in Costs
The cost of transportation services varies across different regions. For example, operating costs in urban areas may differ from those in rural regions due to distance traveled, fuel expenses and accessibility challenges. This survey helps ensure that payment allowances account for these variations and that providers in different geographic areas receive appropriate reimbursement.
3. Compliance with Medicare Payment Policy Updates
CMS periodically reviews and adjusts payment methodologies to align with statutory requirements and policy changes. Conducting a cost analysis survey allows Medicare to comply with federal regulations and ensure that portable X-ray transportation costs are calculated based on up-to-date and relevant data.
4. Addressing Industry and Provider Feedback
Providers offering portable X-ray services often report cost concerns that impact their ability to continue offering mobile imaging services. By gathering cost data from the industry, CMS and MACs can assess whether the current reimbursement rates are adequate and adjust if necessary.
5. Ensuring Service Accessibility for Medicare Beneficiaries
Fair and appropriate reimbursement helps maintain the availability of portable X-ray services for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those in long-term care facilities, home settings or other locations where traditional in-office imaging is not feasible. If reimbursement rates do not reflect actual provider costs, service disruptions or reduced provider participation in Medicare could occur.
What Data Will Be Collected in the Cost Analysis Survey?
MACs will request providers to submit data on various expense categories, including:
- Transportation-related costs (fuel, maintenance, insurance)
- Personnel costs (wages, benefits, travel expenses)
- Equipment depreciation and maintenance
- Administrative overhead related to portable X-ray services
- Geographic variations in operational costs
How Will This Impact Providers?
Providers who participate in the survey can contribute data that may influence Medicare’s decision on future reimbursement rates. This ensures that CMS and MACs base the 2026 allowances on real-world costs rather than on pricing assumptions.
For providers, this means:
- Potential rate adjustments – If costs have changed significantly, payment rates for R0070 and R0075 may be updated accordingly.
- Better financial predictability – Accurate reimbursement rates help providers plan their budgets and continue offering services without financial strain.
- Compliance with Medicare regulations – Participating in the survey ensures that providers stay engaged with Medicare’s evolving reimbursement policies.
Conclusion
The 2026 cost analysis survey for HCPCS codes R0070 and R0075 is necessary to ensure that Medicare reimbursement rates for portable X-ray transportation services remain fair and reflective of actual provider costs. MACs are conducting this survey to support accurate payment policies, address geographic cost variations and maintain the availability of mobile diagnostic services for Medicare beneficiaries.
Providers offering portable X-ray services should proactively submit cost data and stay informed about potential reimbursement changes resulting from this analysis. By participating in the survey, they can help shape the future of Medicare payment rates and ensure sustainable access to mobile imaging services.
Survey Example
*Actual Survey will be emailed for completion and submission within 90 days of publication.
Company Profile Tab
Summary Sheet Tab
Trips Tab
Posted 4/23/2025
