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Ask a Rev Cycle Expert: Single View Cervical Spine X-ray?

Question:

If we are performing a single view cervical spine x-ray, should we report Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code 72020 Radiologic examination, spine, single view, specify level, or would we report CPT® code 72040 Radiologic examination, spine, cervical; 2 or 3 views with modifier 52 Reduced Services? If CPT® code 72020 is recommended, what modifier would be reported to identify the level of spine imaged?

Answer:

For a single view, cervical spine x-ray, consider reporting CPT® code 72020 Radiologic examination, spine, single view, specify level. No modifier is available for reporting the level of the spine imaged; however, the report should specify the level.

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