How To Use CPT Code 72240

CPT 72240 describes the radiological supervision and interpretation for a myelogram of the cervical spine. 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 72240?

CPT 72240 can be used to represent the radiological supervision and interpretation for a myelogram of the cervical spine. This code is used when a provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation for a myelogram of the vertebrae in the neck area. The purpose of this procedure is to detect any injury or abnormal growth in the spinal canal and its contents by injecting contrast material and taking a series of X-ray images.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 72240 is: ‘Myelography, cervical, radiological supervision and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider inserts a needle under fluoroscopic guidance to inject contrast material into the subarachnoid space of the cervical spine.
2. The provider changes the position of the patient by tilting the X-ray table to allow the contrast material to reach different levels in the spinal canal.
3. The provider observes the flow of the contrast material under fluoroscopy and takes a series of X-rays with the table tilted at various angles.
4. The provider interprets the images to detect any injury or abnormal growth in the cervical spinal canal.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 72240 is used when a provider performs the radiological supervision and interpretation for a myelogram of the cervical spine. It should not be reported in conjunction with codes 62284, 62302, 62303, 62304, or 62305. If both 62284 and 72240 are performed by the same provider for cervical myelography, code 62302 should be used instead. The procedure involves injecting contrast material into the subarachnoid space of the cervical spine to visualize the spinal canal and associated structures.

5. When to use CPT code 72240

CPT code 72240 should be used when a provider performs the radiological supervision and interpretation for a myelogram of the cervical spine. It should not be used in conjunction with codes 62284, 62302, 62303, 62304, or 62305. This code represents only the imaging supervision and interpretation for the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 72240, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the myelogram
• Details of the procedure, including the injection of contrast material and the series of X-ray images taken
• Interpretation of the images and any findings of injury or abnormal growth in the cervical spinal canal
• Signature of the provider who performed the imaging supervision and interpretation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 72240, ensure that the provider performing the service is reporting only the professional component. If the radiology service is supervised by one provider and interpreted by another, both providers should report the code with reduced service modifier 52 and professional component modifier 26. CPT code 72240 should not be reported with codes 62284, 62302, 62303, 62304, or 62305.

8. Historical information

CPT code 72240 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 radiologist performing the radiological supervision and interpretation for a myelogram of the cervical spine to detect any injury or abnormal growth.
2. A neurologist interpreting the images from a myelogram of the cervical spine to diagnose a spinal cord injury.
3. An orthopedic surgeon supervising the injection of contrast material for a myelogram of the cervical spine to visualize the spinal canal.
4. A radiology technician assisting the provider in positioning the patient and taking X-ray images during a myelogram of the cervical spine.
5. A neuroradiologist reviewing the images from a myelogram of the cervical spine to assess the extent of a tumor.
6. A spine surgeon performing the radiological supervision and interpretation for a myelogram of the cervical spine to evaluate the success of a previous surgery.
7. A pain management specialist interpreting the images from a myelogram of the cervical spine to guide the placement of a spinal cord stimulator.
8. A chiropractor supervising the injection of contrast material for a myelogram of the cervical spine to assess the alignment of the vertebrae.
9. A neurosurgeon reviewing the images from a myelogram of the cervical spine to determine the need for surgical intervention.
10. A radiology resident assisting the attending physician in performing the radiological supervision and interpretation for a myelogram of the cervical spine.