Wiki CPT x-ray codes 72050, and 72070

[Leondra]

Hello, we are getting denials on cpt codes 72050 spine cervical x-ray and 72070 spine thoracic x-ray stating that this claim has a radiology procedure code for the same body area as another radiology procedure. I found 72081-72084 is the better cpt code to use in place of these codes based on the views done but our concern is the skull was not x-ray and these codes include the skull. Is there a better Cpt code we can use for both of these codes?

Thanks,
Leondra

 

[sls314]

Hello, we are getting denials on cpt codes 72050 spine cervical x-ray and 72070 spine thoracic x-ray stating that this claim has a radiology procedure code for the same body area as another radiology procedure. I found 72081-72084 is the better cpt code to use in place of these codes based on the views done but our concern is the skull was not x-ray and these codes include the skull. Is there a better Cpt code we can use for both of these codes?

Thanks,
Leondra

The code range 72081 to 72084 says that it "including skull, cervical, and sacral spine if performed" so the fact that the skull wasn't x-rayed wouldn't be an issue.

However, the description says that these codes are for the entire thoracic and lumbar spine. Was the lumbar spine x-rayed? Your original post only mentions cervical and thoracic.