2025 CPT code 72130
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Diagnostic Imaging - Diagnostic Radiology Procedures Radiology Feed
Computed tomography (CT) of the thoracic spine without contrast, followed by contrast administration and additional images.
Modifiers 26 (professional component) and TC (technical component) may be appended depending on the circumstances and payer policies.
Medical necessity is established when the ordering physician determines that a CT scan of the thoracic spine is necessary to diagnose or monitor a specific condition.This may include suspected fractures, spinal cord injury, tumors, infections, or other pathology.
The radiologist or qualified imaging professional is responsible for positioning the patient, operating the CT scanner, administering the contrast material (if applicable), acquiring and interpreting the images, and generating a report.The referring physician is responsible for ordering the appropriate imaging study and interpreting the report in the context of the patient's clinical presentation.
In simple words: This is a CT scan of your upper and middle back (thoracic spine).The test is done twice: once without, and again with, a special dye (contrast) injected into your vein to get clearer pictures.
This diagnostic procedure involves a computed tomography (CT) examination of the thoracic spine. Initially, images are acquired without intravenous contrast material. Subsequently, contrast material is administered intravenously, and a second set of images is obtained. The provider interprets the resulting images.
Example 1: A patient presents with back pain and suspected compression fracture. A CT scan of the thoracic spine without and with contrast is ordered to visualize the vertebral bodies and assess for any abnormalities., A patient with a history of lung cancer has a follow-up CT scan of the thoracic spine to evaluate for potential metastases.Contrast is used to enhance the visibility of any lesions., A patient sustains a traumatic injury to the thoracic spine in a motor vehicle accident.A CT scan is done without and with contrast to assess for fractures, dislocations, or spinal cord injury.
* Physician's order specifying the need for a CT scan of the thoracic spine.* Patient's medical history and clinical presentation.* Radiologist's report including image interpretation and findings.* Documentation of contrast administration if used.* Any relevant images.
** The use of contrast material is at the discretion of the ordering physician, depending on the clinical indication.Payers may have specific requirements regarding the reporting of contrast administration separately from the imaging procedure itself.
- Revenue Code: I2B (ADVANCED IMAGING - CAT: OTHER)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC (technical component) may be used when only the technical aspect of the procedure is performed. Note that payer policies may vary, particularly for hospital settings.
- Specialties:Radiology, Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Oncology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Office