How To Use CPT Code 72133

CPT 72133 describes the diagnostic procedure of computed tomography (CT) of the lumbar spine. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 72133?

CPT 72133 is used to describe the diagnostic procedure of CT of the lumbar spine. This code is used when a provider performs a CT examination of the lower back without using contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sections. It allows the provider to obtain detailed cross-sectional images of the lumbar spine to diagnose, manage, and treat diseases affecting this area.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 72133 is: ‘Computed tomography, lumbar spine; without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sections.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider positions the patient appropriately and instructs them to remain motionless during the procedure.
2. The patient lies on the scanner bed, which slowly moves into the CT scanner.
3. The provider takes cross-sectional images of the lumbar spine without injecting contrast material.
4. The provider then injects contrast material through the patient’s vein and obtains a second set of images.
5. The presence of contrast material enhances the image quality.
6. The provider interprets the diagnostic results from the obtained images and stores them for further evaluation if necessary.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 72133 is used for patients who require a CT examination of the lumbar spine without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sections. This procedure is typically performed to diagnose, manage, and treat diseases affecting the lower back. The provider must follow the specific steps outlined in the procedure and use contrast material intravascularly, intraarticularly, or intrathecally if necessary.

5. When to use CPT code 72133

CPT code 72133 should be used when a provider performs a CT examination of the lumbar spine without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sections. It is appropriate for diagnosing, managing, and treating diseases affecting the lower back. This code should not be used if the provider administers oral or rectal contrast, as the radiology service already includes these contrast methods.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 72133, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the CT examination of the lumbar spine
• Specific steps followed during the procedure, including the use of contrast material
• Date and time of the procedure
• Interpretation of the obtained images
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 72133, ensure that the provider follows the specific steps outlined in the procedure and uses contrast material intravascularly, intraarticularly, or intrathecally if necessary. It is important to note that the provider should not report CPT 72133 if they have already performed CPT codes 72131 or 72132 in the same session. Additionally, depending on the payer’s guidelines, the provider may need to separately report the contrast material using a supply code or a HCPCS Level II code. Modifier 26 should be appended to the radiology code if reporting only the physician’s interpretation, while modifier TC should be appended if reporting only the technical component.

8. Historical information

CPT 72133 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2003, with a revised description.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a CT examination of the lumbar spine without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sections, to diagnose a herniated disc.
2. A provider performs a CT scan of the lower back without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sections, to assess the extent of a spinal tumor.
3. A patient with chronic lower back pain undergoes a CT examination of the lumbar spine without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sections, to identify any underlying structural abnormalities.
4. A provider orders a CT scan of the lumbar spine without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sections, to evaluate a patient with suspected spinal stenosis.
5. A CT examination of the lumbar spine without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sections, is performed on a patient with a history of trauma to assess for any fractures or dislocations.
6. A provider performs a CT scan of the lower back without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sections, to evaluate a patient with suspected infection in the lumbar spine.
7. A patient undergoes a CT examination of the lumbar spine without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sections, to assess the effectiveness of a previous spinal surgery.
8. A provider orders a CT scan of the lumbar spine without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sections, to evaluate a patient with suspected spinal cord compression.
9. A CT examination of the lumbar spine without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sections, is performed on a patient with unexplained lower back pain to identify any potential causes.
10. A provider performs a CT scan of the lower back without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sections, to assess the progression of a degenerative disc disease in a patient.