How To Use CPT Code 72020

CPT 72020 describes a radiologic examination of a specific level of the spine using a single view. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 72020?

CPT 72020 can be used to describe a radiologic examination of a specific level of the spine using a single view. This code is used when the provider needs to examine either the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar part of the spine at a specific level to detect fractures, tumors, deformities, or infections.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 72020 is: ‘Radiologic examination, spine, single view, specify level. (For a single view that includes the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, use 72081)’

3. Procedure

1. The provider positions the patient appropriately for the radiologic examination.
2. Using an X-ray machine, the provider sends a beam of radiation through the specific level of the spine.
3. A special film or computer records the image of the spine.
4. The patient holds their breath while the image is taken to prevent blurring.
5. The X-ray image shows dense body parts, such as bones, as white, while softer body tissues, such as muscles, appear darker.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 72020 is used when a provider performs a radiologic examination of a specific level of the spine to detect fractures, tumors, deformities, or infections. The examination can be performed on the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine at the specified level.

5. When to use CPT code 72020

CPT code 72020 should be used when a provider performs a radiologic examination of a specific level of the spine using a single view. It is important to specify the level of the spine being examined. If a single view includes the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, CPT code 72081 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 72020, the provider must document the following information:

• The specific level of the spine being examined
• The date of the radiologic examination
• The patient’s positioning during the examination
• The number of views taken
• The provider’s interpretation of the radiologic examination

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 72020, ensure that the provider performs a radiologic examination of a specific level of the spine using a single view. If only the physician’s interpretation is being reported, append modifier 26 to the radiology code. If only the technical component is being reported, append modifier TC to the radiology code. However, payer policy may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC. Do not append a professional or technical modifier when reporting a global service where one provider renders both components.

8. Historical information

CPT 72020 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a radiologic examination of the cervical spine at the C4 level using a single view to detect any fractures or tumors.
2. A patient undergoes a radiologic examination of the lumbar spine at the L3 level using a single view to check for any deformities or infections.
3. A provider conducts a radiologic examination of the thoracic spine at the T7 level using a single view to identify any fractures or tumors.
4. A patient receives a radiologic examination of the cervical spine at the C6 level using a single view to assess for any deformities or infections.
5. A provider performs a radiologic examination of the lumbar spine at the L5 level using a single view to detect any fractures or tumors.
6. A patient undergoes a radiologic examination of the thoracic spine at the T12 level using a single view to check for any deformities or infections.
7. A provider conducts a radiologic examination of the cervical spine at the C2 level using a single view to identify any fractures or tumors.
8. A patient receives a radiologic examination of the lumbar spine at the L4 level using a single view to assess for any deformities or infections.
9. A provider performs a radiologic examination of the thoracic spine at the T9 level using a single view to detect any fractures or tumors.
10. A patient undergoes a radiologic examination of the cervical spine at the C7 level using a single view to check for any deformities or infections.