Radiology Coding Alert

Question: If documentation shows seven cervical spine views but doesn't mention oblique, flexion or extension, may I still report 72052?

Kansas Subscriber

Answer: No. The documentation should specify obliques and flexion, obliques and extension, or all three view types for you to report 72052 (Radiologic examination, spine, cervical; complete, including oblique and flexion and/or extension studies).

Without documentation of these specific views, you should report 72050 (Radiologic examination, spine, cervical; minimum of four views), which describes four or more cervical spine views.

Be sure your providers understand that they need to document both the types and number of views for you to choose the most accurate code.