Imaging Reimbursement Revolution: CEUS Payment Doubles, Shaking Up Diagnostics

CHICAGO, IL – February 02, 2026 – A pivotal shift in medical imaging is underway, triggered not by a new invention, but by a change in accounting. Effective January 1, 2026, a decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has more than doubled the reimbursement rate for non-cardiac contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) scans, a move that experts believe will reshape diagnostic protocols, improve patient safety, and significantly alter the healthcare landscape.

The payment for these advanced ultrasound procedures has jumped from $170.02 to $356.43. This increase stems from the reassignment of non-cardiac CEUS to a new billing code, APC 5572, which is the same category used for more established and expensive procedures like contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MR). The International Contrast Ultrasound Society (ICUS), which advocated for the change, recently released a new coding and payment chart to help medical facilities navigate the update, making it accessible via its website and a dedicated mobile app, ICUS CONNECT.

This financial revaluation is more than just a line item in a budget; it is a formal acknowledgment from CMS of the technology's value, designed to ensure “appropriate payment for these services.” For years, lower reimbursement has been cited as a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of CEUS, despite its proven benefits. This landmark decision effectively removes that financial hurdle, setting the stage for a new era in diagnostic imaging.

A Safer, Faster, and Smarter Alternative

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a powerful diagnostic tool that uses intravenously administered microbubbles—gas-filled microspheres—to enhance the clarity of ultrasound images. These contrast agents allow physicians to visualize blood flow in organs and tissues in real time, helping to identify and characterize everything from tumors in the liver and kidneys to vascular disease.

One of the most significant advantages of CEUS is its superior safety profile. Unlike CT scans, it involves no ionizing radiation, a crucial benefit for all patients, especially children, pregnant women, and those requiring multiple follow-up scans. Furthermore, the ultrasound contrast agents do not contain iodine and carry no risk of kidney damage, a known concern with agents used for CT and MR scans. The risk of severe allergic reactions is also substantially lower.

“CEUS costs far less than contrast MR or CT, and it often does a better job,” stated Dr. Richard G. Barr, Professor of Radiology at Northeast Ohio Medical University and an officer of ICUS, in a recent announcement. Studies have repeatedly shown that CEUS offers diagnostic sensitivity and specificity comparable to, and sometimes exceeding, that of CT and MRI for many applications.

The technology’s portability is another game-changing feature. A compact ultrasound system can be brought directly to a patient’s bedside, whether in the emergency room, the intensive care unit, or a clinic. This eliminates the logistical challenges and delays associated with transporting critically ill or unstable patients to a dedicated imaging suite.

“This reduces delays often associated with CT and MR, streamlines workflows, speeds up diagnosis, improves patient outcomes and saves lives,” noted Dr. Steven Feinstein, a cardiologist and Co-President of ICUS.

Market Impact and Accelerated Adoption

The financial validation from CMS is expected to act as a powerful catalyst for a market already on an upward trajectory. The global CEUS market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 6%, with forecasts predicting it will surpass $4 billion by the early 2030s. North America currently leads this market, thanks to robust regulatory approvals and strong educational initiatives.

With the new reimbursement rates, hospital administrators and imaging center operators now have a compelling financial incentive to invest in and prioritize CEUS. The technology's ability to provide a definitive diagnosis on the same day, often without the need for a follow-up CT or MR scan, promises significant cost savings and efficiency gains for the healthcare system as a whole. This could lead to a substantial shift in diagnostic workflows, with CEUS becoming the first-line imaging modality for a wider range of conditions.

The increased demand will likely spur further innovation among equipment manufacturers and developers of contrast agents. As more healthcare providers adopt the technology, the push for expanded applications, improved image processing with AI, and broader training programs will intensify, creating a positive feedback loop of growth and refinement.

Navigating the Clinical and Regulatory Landscape

While the future of CEUS appears bright, its implementation requires navigating a specific regulatory environment. In the United States, three ultrasound contrast agents are commercially available: Lumason from Bracco Imaging, Definity from Lantheus, and Optison from GE Healthcare. However, for the non-cardiac applications directly impacted by the new reimbursement code, Lumason is currently the only agent with FDA approval.

This highlights a critical area for future development and regulatory engagement. As the use of CEUS expands, there will be increasing interest in securing FDA approval for other agents and for a broader range of clinical indications, which would foster competition and provide more options for clinicians.

Support for the technology extends across medical specialties. The American Society of Echocardiography, for instance, already considers contrast-enhanced echocardiography—a cardiac application of CEUS—an “indispensable part of the practice.” This widespread recognition of the technology's value in cardiology is a strong indicator of its potential for acceptance in other fields like radiology, gastroenterology, and oncology.

By placing CEUS on equal financial footing with CT and MRI, the new reimbursement policy does more than just increase a payment figure. It validates a technology that is safer, often faster, and more cost-effective, empowering clinicians to choose the best diagnostic tool for the patient without being penalized by outdated payment structures. This change marks a critical step toward a more efficient and patient-centered approach to medical imaging.