2025 CPT code 72114
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Diagnostic Radiology - Radiologic Examination Musculoskeletal System Feed
Radiologic examination of the lumbosacral spine, complete, including bending views (minimum six views).
Modifiers 26 (professional component) and TC (technical component) are applicable depending on who performed which portion of the service. Modifier 59 (distinct procedural service) may be necessary under specific circumstances. Refer to the most current CPT guidelines for clarification.
Medical necessity for this procedure is established by the presence of clinical symptoms or findings suggestive of lumbosacral pathology requiring radiographic assessment.This may include low back pain, trauma, suspected spinal instability, suspected fractures, or other pertinent clinical indicators requiring confirmation or exclusion via imaging.
The clinical responsibility involves a radiologist or qualified healthcare professional taking and interpreting the X-ray images of the lumbosacral spine. This includes the appropriate positioning of the patient and capturing the required six views, which must include bending views, to evaluate the spine for abnormalities such as fractures, tumors, spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, or other structural issues.The interpretation involves assessing the images for any abnormalities.
In simple words: This medical code describes a complete X-ray of the lower back and the very top of the hip bones. The X-rays are taken from different angles, including while the patient is bending. This helps doctors look for problems like broken bones, tumors, or other spine abnormalities.
This CPT code encompasses a complete radiologic examination of the lumbosacral spine. The examination includes a minimum of six views, which must include bending views.Typical views include one anteroposterior (AP), one lateral, two oblique, and two bending views (flexion and extension).The bending views are obtained with the patient bending to the right or left, or in flexion (bending forward) and extension (standing erect) positions.The purpose is to evaluate the spine for abnormalities such as fractures, tumors, spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, and other structural issues.
Example 1: A patient presents with low back pain after a fall.The physician orders a lumbosacral spine X-ray (72114) to rule out fractures or other injuries. The radiologist takes the required six views and interprets the images, documenting findings such as a compression fracture at L1., A patient with chronic low back pain undergoes a comprehensive evaluation.As part of the diagnostic workup, a lumbosacral spine X-ray (72114) is performed to assess for degenerative changes, spinal stenosis, or other structural abnormalities causing pain.The radiologist's report details degenerative disc disease and facet joint arthrosis., A patient presents for a pre-operative assessment before lumbar spinal fusion surgery. A complete lumbosacral spine X-ray (72114) is ordered to provide detailed imaging of the spine's anatomy and assess the extent of spinal degeneration and alignment. The images are used to plan the surgical procedure.
* Detailed clinical indication for the examination (e.g., patient history, symptoms).* Image acquisition details (number and types of views, body positions).* Radiologist's interpretation of the images with detailed findings, measurements, and diagnoses.
** This code requires a minimum of six views, including bending views.The specific views obtained should be clearly documented.Accurate coding requires comprehensive documentation of the examination, interpretation, and clinical findings.
- Revenue Code: 0220, 0221
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC is applicable when only the technical component (image acquisition) is reported separately.Hospital billing practices may vary.
- Specialties:Orthopedics, Radiology, Neurosurgery, Pain Management
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Ambulatory Surgical Center, Urgent Care Facility