2025 CPT code 72120
Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Radiology - Diagnostic Radiology Feed
Radiological examination of the lumbosacral spine, bending views only, 2 or 3 views.
Modifiers 26 and TC are applicable when billing for the professional and technical components separately. Modifier 59 is used to indicate a distinct procedural service.
Medical necessity must be established by documenting the patient's symptoms, signs, or prior diagnostic test results that justify the need for this specific X-ray examination.
The physician positions the patient and captures X-ray images of the lumbar and sacral spine in bending positions to assess for abnormalities.
In simple words: This is a special X-ray of your lower back taken while you bend. It helps doctors see if your spine has any unusual curves, breaks, or signs of cancer.
This procedure involves a radiological study of the lumbosacral spine using two or three views taken while the patient is in a bending position. It aids in evaluating the spine for abnormalities such as abnormal curves, fractures, and tumors.
Example 1: A patient with chronic lower back pain undergoes this procedure to assess spinal instability., A patient with suspected scoliosis has this X-ray to evaluate the curvature of the spine during bending., Post-surgical assessment of a spinal fusion utilizes bending views to assess the stability of the fusion.
Documentation should include the reason for the examination, the number and type of views taken, the patient's position during each view, and the radiologist's interpretation of the images.
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC is applicable when billing only for the technical component of this procedure.
- Specialties:Radiology, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital, Outpatient Clinic, Mobile Unit