2025 CPT code 72240
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) - Spine and Pelvis Radiology Feed
Imaging supervision and interpretation for a myelogram of the cervical spine.
Modifiers 26, 52, 53, 76, 77, and others may apply.
Medical necessity must be established for the myelogram.The documentation should clearly demonstrate the clinical indication for the procedure and how the results will impact the patient's treatment plan.
The physician is responsible for supervising the injection of contrast material, acquiring the images, and interpreting the myelogram results.They must review the images and provide a diagnostic report.
In simple words: This code covers the doctor's work in overseeing and interpreting a special X-ray of your neck, called a myelogram.A dye is injected into your spine, and X-rays are taken to create images that help the doctor look for problems like injuries or abnormal growths.
This code represents the physician's supervision and interpretation of a cervical myelogram. The procedure involves injecting contrast material into the subarachnoid space of the cervical spine and obtaining a series of X-ray images to visualize the spinal canal and its contents.This code is for the professional component only and does not include the technical component.
Example 1: A patient presents with neck pain and numbness radiating down the arm. A cervical myelogram is performed to evaluate for disc herniation or spinal stenosis., A patient with a history of trauma experiences worsening neurological symptoms. A cervical myelogram is ordered to assess for spinal cord compression or nerve root injury., A patient with suspected spinal tumor undergoes a cervical myelogram to help determine the size and location of the tumor.
Documentation should include the reason for the myelogram, details of the procedure, the interpretation of the findings, and any associated diagnoses.
** It's important to distinguish 72240 (cervical myelogram, professional component) from codes that include the technical component or represent myelograms of other spinal regions.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC is not applicable as this code represents the professional component.
- Specialties:Radiology, Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Pain Management
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center