2025 CPT code 72255
Effective Date: N/A Radiology - Diagnostic Radiology Feed
Imaging supervision and interpretation for a myelogram of the thoracic spine.
Modifiers 26, 52, 53, 59, 76, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 99, AQ, AR, AS, CR, ET, FX, FY, GA, GC, GJ, GR, KX, PD, Q5, Q6, QJ, TC, XE, XP, XS, and XU are applicable.
Medical necessity must be established for this procedure. The documentation should support the need for the myelogram to evaluate a specific condition affecting the thoracic spine, such as spinal stenosis, herniated disc, or trauma.
In simple words: This procedure uses a special dye and X-rays to create images of your mid-back spinal cord.The doctor injects the dye and then takes a series of X-rays to see if there are any injuries or growths in your spinal canal. This code covers the doctor's work in supervising and interpreting the images, not the actual injection.
This code represents the physician's supervision and interpretation of a myelogram performed on the thoracic spine. The procedure involves injecting contrast material into the subarachnoid space and acquiring a series of X-ray images to visualize the spinal canal and its contents. This code is for the professional component only.
Example 1: A patient presents with mid-back pain and numbness radiating down their arm. An MRI reveals a possible herniated disc. A thoracic myelogram is performed under the supervision and interpretation of a radiologist to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the extent of the compression., A patient with a history of spinal stenosis experiences worsening symptoms. A thoracic myelogram is performed to assess the degree of narrowing in the spinal canal and determine if surgical intervention is necessary. The radiologist supervises and interprets the imaging., Following a traumatic injury to the thoracic spine, a myelogram is conducted to evaluate for any spinal cord damage or nerve root compression. The radiologist oversees the procedure and provides an interpretation of the images.
Documentation should include a detailed clinical history, physical exam findings, reason for the myelogram, a description of the procedure, interpretation of the images with findings, and any associated diagnoses.
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC is applicable for the technical component.
- Specialties:Radiology, Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Pain Management
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Off Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center