2025 CPT code 72129

Computed tomography (CT) of the thoracic spine with contrast material.

Refer to the current CPT manual for detailed coding guidelines. Payer-specific policies regarding contrast material coverage should also be consulted.

Modifiers 26 (professional component) and TC (technical component) may be appended as appropriate, depending on the services provided and payer policies.

Medical necessity for a CT scan of the thoracic spine with contrast is established when there is a clinical suspicion of spinal pathology, such as trauma, tumor, infection, or degenerative disease, and the additional information provided by contrast enhances the diagnostic accuracy.

The clinical responsibility includes patient positioning, sedation (if necessary), contrast material administration, image acquisition, image interpretation, and report generation.

IMPORTANT For intrathecal injection procedures, see codes 61055 and 62284.If contrast is administered orally or rectally, code the service as "without contrast," as this is typically included in the radiology service.For services with intravascular, intraarticular, or intrathecal contrast, a separate code for contrast supply (e.g., 99070 or a HCPCS Level II code) may be reported depending on payer policies.Use modifier 26 for professional component only and modifier TC for technical component only. Modifiers should not be appended when reporting a global service.

In simple words: A CT scan of your upper and middle back is done using a special dye to get clearer images.The machine takes many pictures to show the bones and other structures in that area.

This diagnostic procedure involves a computed tomography (CT) examination of the thoracic spine using contrast material.The provider rotates an X-ray tube and detectors around the patient, generating cross-sectional images (tomograms). After appropriate positioning and sedation (if necessary), the patient remains still while the scanner bed moves slowly into the scanner. Contrast material is injected intravenously, and multiple cross-sectional images of the thoracic spine are acquired. The provider then examines these images on a computer monitor, interprets the results, and stores, reconstructs, and reproduces the images for further evaluation as needed.

Example 1: A patient presents with back pain and suspected compression fracture. A CT scan with contrast is ordered to visualize the extent of the fracture and rule out other pathology., A patient with a history of metastatic cancer undergoes a follow-up CT scan with contrast of the thoracic spine to assess for disease progression or recurrence., A trauma patient with suspected spinal injury requires a CT scan with contrast to evaluate for any fractures, dislocations, or ligamentous injury.

The medical record should include the indication for the study, relevant patient history, contrast type and administration route, imaging findings, and the radiologist's interpretation.

** Always verify payer-specific coding and billing guidelines before submitting claims.Consider using appropriate modifiers based on the specifics of the provided service (e.g. anesthesia, sedation).

  • Revenue Code: I2B (ADVANCED IMAGING - CAT: OTHER)
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC (Technical Component) may be applicable if only the technical aspect of the procedure (image acquisition) is billed separately.
  • Specialties:Radiology, Neurosurgery, Oncology, Orthopedics
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center
** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.