How To Use CPT Code 72083

CPT 72083 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 72083?

CPT 72083 is a diagnostic radiology procedure used to evaluate the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, including the skull, cervical spine, and sacral spine if performed. The provider takes X-ray images from four or five different angles to assess the patient for spine abnormalities, such as scoliosis or other conditions.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 72083 is: ‘Radiologic examination, spine, entire thoracic and lumbar, including skull, cervical and sacral spine if performed (eg, scoliosis evaluation); 4 or 5 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 four or five different angles.
3. The images may include the skull, cervical spine, and sacrum.
4. The purpose of the procedure is to evaluate the patient for spine abnormalities, such as scoliosis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 72083 is used for patients who require a radiologic examination of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, including the skull, cervical spine, and sacral spine if performed. This procedure is typically performed to evaluate the patient for spine abnormalities, such as scoliosis. The provider must take four or five views of the spine to qualify for this code.

5. When to use CPT code 72083

CPT code 72083 should be used when the provider performs a radiologic examination of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, including the skull, cervical spine, and sacral spine if performed. This code is appropriate when the provider takes four or five views of the spine to evaluate the patient for spine abnormalities, such as scoliosis.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 72083, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the radiologic examination
• Number of views taken
• Specific areas of the spine included in the examination
• Any abnormalities or findings observed
• Signature of the provider performing the examination

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 72083, ensure that the provider performs a radiologic examination of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, including the skull, cervical spine, and sacral spine if performed. This code should be reported with modifier 26 if only the physician’s interpretation is being billed. If only the technical component is being billed, modifier TC should be appended. However, it is important to check payer policies regarding the use of modifier TC for hospitals. If the provider performs both the professional and technical components, no modifier is necessary. It is also important to accurately document the number of views taken to ensure proper coding.

8. Historical information

CPT 72083 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, cervical spine, and sacral spine if performed, to evaluate for scoliosis.
2. A provider takes X-ray images from four different angles to assess a patient for spine abnormalities, including the skull, cervical spine, and sacrum.
3. A radiologic examination of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, including the skull, cervical spine, and sacral spine if performed, is performed on a patient with suspected spine abnormalities.
4. A provider evaluates a patient for scoliosis by taking X-ray images of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, including the skull, cervical spine, and sacral spine if performed.
5. A radiologic examination of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, including the skull, cervical spine, and sacral spine if performed, is performed on a patient with chronic back pain.
6. A provider takes X-ray images from five different angles to assess a patient for spine abnormalities, including the skull, cervical spine, and sacrum.
7. A patient undergoes a radiologic examination of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, including the skull, cervical spine, and sacral spine if performed, to evaluate for spinal deformities.
8. A provider evaluates a patient for spine abnormalities by taking X-ray images of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, including the skull, cervical spine, and sacral spine if performed.
9. A radiologic examination of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine, including the skull, cervical spine, and sacral spine if performed, is performed on a patient with a history of spine trauma.
10. A provider takes X-ray images from four different angles to assess a patient for spine abnormalities, including the skull, cervical spine, and sacrum.