How To Use CPT Code 72072

CPT 72072 describes the radiologic examination of the thoracic spine using three views. 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 72072?

CPT 72072 is used to describe a radiologic examination of the thoracic spine. This procedure involves taking three X-ray views of the thoracic spine to examine for conditions such as abnormal curves, fractures, or cancer.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 72072 is: ‘Radiologic examination, spine; thoracic, 3 views.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned on an X-ray table.
2. The provider carefully aligns the thoracic spine to be X-rayed between the X-ray machine and a cassette containing the X-ray film or plate.
3. The X-ray beam focuses on the area to be photographed.
4. The patient remains still to prevent blurring of the image.
5. The X-ray machine sends a beam of radiation through the back, and the image is recorded on a computer or special film.
6. The provider takes three views of the thoracic spine to capture different angles and perspectives.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 72072 is used when a radiologic examination of the thoracic spine is necessary. This may be due to symptoms or conditions that require further evaluation, such as abnormal pain, suspected fractures, or potential cancerous growths. The procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare professional who specializes in radiology.

5. When to use CPT code 72072

CPT code 72072 should be used when a radiologic examination of the thoracic spine is performed using three views. It is important to ensure that the documentation clearly describes each view taken during the procedure to accurately assign the code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 72072, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the radiologic examination of the thoracic spine
• Number and description of the views taken
• Date and time of the procedure
• Positioning and projection of the X-ray
• Any additional relevant findings or observations
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 72072, it is important to ensure that the documentation supports the medical necessity of the procedure. If only the physician’s interpretation is being reported, the professional component modifier 26 should be appended to the radiology code. If only the technical component is being reported, modifier TC should be appended. However, payer policies may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC. It is also important to accurately describe each view taken during the radiologic examination to assign the correct code.

8. Historical information

CPT 72072 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. Since then, there have been changes to the code description, including updates on January 1, 2001, and January 1, 2009.

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with persistent back pain, and the provider performs a radiologic examination of the thoracic spine using three views to assess for any abnormalities.
2. Following a car accident, a patient is suspected to have a thoracic spine fracture, and the provider orders a radiologic examination using three views to confirm the diagnosis.
3. A patient with a history of cancer undergoes a routine radiologic examination of the thoracic spine using three views to monitor for any signs of metastasis.
4. A professional athlete experiences discomfort in the thoracic spine area, and the provider performs a radiologic examination using three views to evaluate for any sports-related injuries.
5. A patient with scoliosis undergoes a radiologic examination of the thoracic spine using three views to assess the progression of the spinal curvature.