2025 CPT code 72285
Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Radiology - Diagnostic Radiology Feed
Radiological supervision and interpretation of cervical or thoracic discography.
Modifiers may be applicable. Modifier 26 should be used if only the professional component is being billed.Modifier 52 may be used if the service is reduced. Modifier 53 is appropriate for discontinued procedures.
Medical necessity for a discogram is established when other diagnostic tests have been inconclusive and there is a suspicion of a disc-related cause for persistent neck or back pain.The discogram helps pinpoint the specific disc causing pain to guide treatment decisions, such as surgery or pain management interventions.
The physician is responsible for supervising the injection of contrast material into the intervertebral discs and interpreting the resulting images to assess the condition of the discs.
In simple words: This procedure involves taking a special type of x-ray of your neck or upper back.Dye is injected into the discs in your spine, and a series of x-rays are taken to help identify the source of back pain.
This code represents the physician's supervision and interpretation of a cervical or thoracic discogram.A discogram is a diagnostic imaging procedure where contrast material is injected into the intervertebral disc spaces to evaluate the discs for abnormalities.This code includes the imaging guidance and interpretation of the images obtained, typically using fluoroscopy.
Example 1: A patient presents with chronic neck pain radiating down the arm. A cervical discogram is performed under fluoroscopic guidance to evaluate the cervical discs as a potential source of pain., A patient with persistent upper back pain undergoes a thoracic discogram to assess the discs for herniation or degeneration., Following a car accident, a patient experiences thoracic pain.A discogram is performed to evaluate the integrity of the thoracic intervertebral discs.
Documentation should include the medical necessity for the procedure, the levels injected, a description of the procedure, and the interpretation of the findings.Fluoroscopic guidance should also be documented.
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC is not applicable to this code as it represents a professional service.
- Specialties:Pain Management, Radiology, Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Outpatient Department, Office