2025 CPT code 72132
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Diagnostic Radiology - Computed Tomography Radiology Feed
Computed tomography (CT) scan of the lumbar spine with contrast material.
Modifiers 26 (professional component) and TC (technical component) may be applied as appropriate, depending on the billing entity and payer's policies.
Medical necessity is established when there is a clinical indication for a CT scan of the lumbar spine with contrast to assess for pathology or structural abnormalities that cannot be adequately evaluated by other means (e.g., X-ray).
The radiologist is responsible for performing the CT scan, administering the contrast material (if applicable), interpreting the images and providing a report to the referring physician. The referring physician is responsible for ordering the test based on clinical indication and for managing the patient's care based on the results.
In simple words: This is a CT scan of your lower back. A special dye is injected into your vein to help the images of your spine show up better. The doctor will look at the pictures on a computer screen and give you the results.
This diagnostic procedure involves a computed tomography (CT) examination of the lumbar spine utilizing intravenous contrast material.The procedure includes patient positioning, intravenous contrast administration, image acquisition, and interpretation of the resulting cross-sectional images. The images are digitally stored, processed, and may be reproduced as hard copies for further review.
Example 1: A patient presents with lower back pain and suspected spinal stenosis. A CT scan with contrast is ordered to visualize the spinal canal and nerve roots to assess for compression., A patient has experienced a fall and has suspected vertebral fracture. A CT scan with contrast is performed to evaluate the integrity of the vertebrae and to detect any potential injury., A patient with a history of cancer undergoes a CT scan with contrast to monitor for spinal metastasis (spread of cancer to the spine).
The documentation should include:*The reason for the CT scan.*Patient history including relevant symptoms and prior medical conditions.*Findings from the CT scan with specific measurements of any abnormalities or lesions.*Radiologist's interpretation and impression.*Any specific instructions for treatment given based on the results.
** The use of contrast material may be contraindicated in patients with certain allergies or kidney conditions.Appropriate pre-procedural screening and informed consent are crucial.
- Revenue Code: I2B (ADVANCED IMAGING - CAT: OTHER)
- RVU: This information varies by payer and location.Consult the specific payer's fee schedule.
- Global Days : The global period for this procedure depends on payer guidelines. It is typically not a global procedure and may be billed separately.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The TC modifier may be used to represent the technical component of the service. This is typically reported by the facility.
- Fee Schedule : Fee schedules vary widely depending on payer and geographic location.Consult payer-specific fee schedules for historical data.
- Specialties:Radiology, Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Oncology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Office