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2025 CPT code 72131

Computed tomography (CT) scan of the lumbar spine without contrast material.

Appropriate use criteria should be followed when ordering a CT scan.Modifiers 26 (professional component) and TC (technical component) may be appended depending on payer policy and who performs the services (physician or facility).

Modifiers 26 (professional component only) and TC (technical component only) may be appended as appropriate.Modifier 59 (distinct procedural service) may be considered if multiple distinct procedures are performed.

Medical necessity for a non-contrast CT scan of the lumbar spine is established when there is a clinical suspicion of conditions such as fractures, dislocations, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, tumors, or other abnormalities that can be adequately visualized without the use of contrast.

The clinical responsibility involves the radiologist's expertise in performing and interpreting the CT scan. This includes patient positioning, image acquisition, image analysis, and generating a report detailing the findings.

IMPORTANT 72132 (with contrast), 72133 (without contrast followed by contrast)

In simple words: A CT scan of your lower back is done without using any special dye. The machine takes many X-ray pictures to create detailed images of your spine's bones and tissues.

This diagnostic procedure involves a computed tomography (CT) examination of the lumbar spine without the use of contrast material.The patient lies on a scanner bed that moves into a rotating X-ray tube and detector system.Cross-sectional images of the lumbar spine are acquired.The resulting images are then examined and interpreted by the provider, and stored digitally for future reference.

Example 1: A patient presents with lower back pain after a fall. A non-contrast CT scan of the lumbar spine is ordered to rule out any fractures or dislocations., A patient with a history of spinal stenosis undergoes a non-contrast CT scan to evaluate the degree of narrowing of the spinal canal., A patient with suspected spinal infection undergoes a non-contrast CT scan as an initial imaging modality to evaluate for any abnormalities before potentially proceeding with contrast enhanced studies.

* Patient demographics and medical history* Reason for the exam (clinical indication)* Detailed radiology report with interpretation of images* Images themselves (stored digitally)

** Oral or rectal contrast is considered a non-contrast study. Intravascular, intraarticular, or intrathecal contrast would require a different code.

  • Revenue Code: I2B (Advanced Imaging - CAT: Other)
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC (technical component) is typically appended when the technical component of the service is billed separately.
  • Specialties:Radiology, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery
  • Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient/Outpatient), Ambulatory Surgical Center
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