How To Use CPT Code 72082

CPT 72082 describes the radiologic examination of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, including the skull, cervical spine, and sacral spine if performed. 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 72082?

CPT 72082 is a diagnostic radiology procedure used to evaluate the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, including the skull, cervical spine, and sacral spine if performed. It involves taking X-ray images from two or three projections to assess the patient for spine abnormalities, such as scoliosis or other conditions.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 72082 is: ‘Radiologic examination, spine, entire thoracic and lumbar, including skull, cervical and sacral spine if performed (eg, scoliosis evaluation); 2 or 3 views.’

3. Procedure

1. In this diagnostic procedure, the provider positions the patient on an X-ray table.
2. The provider takes X-ray images of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine from two or three directions.
3. The images may include the skull, cervical spine (neck), and sacrum (tailbone).
4. The provider ensures that each view taken is clearly described in the documentation, including the patient’s body position and the projection of the X-ray.
5. If the provider takes a single view of the entire back, CPT code 72081 should be used.
6. If the provider takes four or five views of the entire back, CPT code 72083 should be used.
7. If the provider takes at least six views of the entire back, CPT code 72084 should be used.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 72082 is used for patients who require a radiologic examination of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine. This procedure is typically performed to evaluate the patient for scoliosis or other spine abnormalities. The inclusion of the skull, cervical spine, and sacral spine in the examination is optional and depends on the provider’s judgment and the patient’s specific condition.

5. When to use CPT code 72082

CPT code 72082 should be used when the provider performs a radiologic examination of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, including the optional evaluation of the skull, cervical spine, and sacral spine. It is important to ensure that the documentation clearly describes each view taken during the procedure to accurately assign the correct number of views.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 72082, the provider must document the following information:

• Description of each view taken during the radiologic examination
• Patient’s body position during the procedure
• Projection of the X-ray images
• Optional inclusion of the skull, cervical spine, and sacral spine

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 72082, it is important to follow the appropriate billing guidelines. If reporting only the physician’s interpretation for the radiology service, append modifier 26 to the radiology code. If reporting only the technical component, 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 in which one provider renders both components. It is also important to ensure that the documentation clearly describes each view taken during the radiology service to accurately report the number of views.

8. Historical information

CPT code 72082 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2016. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a radiologic examination of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, including the skull and cervical spine, to evaluate for scoliosis.
2. A provider takes X-ray images from two projections of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, including the skull and sacral spine, to assess for spine abnormalities.
3. A patient receives a radiologic examination of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, including the skull and cervical spine, to evaluate for degenerative disc disease.
4. A provider performs a radiologic examination of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, including the skull and sacral spine, to assess for spinal stenosis.
5. A patient undergoes X-ray imaging from three directions of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, including the skull and cervical spine, to evaluate for vertebral fractures.
6. A provider takes X-ray images from two projections of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, including the skull and sacral spine, to assess for spinal tumors.
7. A patient receives a radiologic examination of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, including the skull and cervical spine, to evaluate for spinal infections.
8. A provider performs X-ray imaging from three directions of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, including the skull and sacral spine, to assess for spinal deformities.
9. A patient undergoes a radiologic examination of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, including the skull and cervical spine, to evaluate for spinal arthritis.
10. A provider takes X-ray images from two projections of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, including the skull and sacral spine, to assess for spinal fractures.