Radiologic examination, spine, cervical; minimum 4 views

CPT 72050 is the billing code for "Radiologic examination, spine, cervical; minimum 4 views". For cervical spine X-ray with minimum 4 views

Medicare pays approximately $52.40 for CPT 72050 (national average). Actual payment varies by geographic location due to GPCI adjustments. Hospital and commercial insurance rates are typically 2-4x higher than Medicare rates.

CPT 72050 has a total RVU of 3.17, broken down as: Work RVU 0.70, Practice Expense RVU 2.40, and Malpractice RVU 0.07. RVUs (Relative Value Units) determine Medicare reimbursement rates.

Key documentation requirements for CPT 72050 include: Indication for cervical spine X-ray; Minimum 4 views obtained; Findings and interpretation; Alignment assessment. Missing or incomplete documentation is a leading cause of claim denials for this code.

Bundling considerations for CPT 72050: Includes minimum 4 views cervical spine. Includes interpretation and report Use an NCCI bundling checker to verify specific code combinations before billing.

Common modifiers for CPT 72050 include: 26 (Professional component only (interpretation)), TC (Technical component only (equipment/staff)), 59 (Distinct procedural service if performed separately). Modifiers indicate special circumstances and can affect reimbursement or prevent claim denials.

The typical time requirement for CPT 72050 is 15-20 minutes typical procedure time. Time-based codes require documentation of the actual time spent providing the service.