Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Question: If encounter notes indicate that the PM physician performed a computed tomography (CT) of the spine, what CPT^® code should I select for the encounter? The scan included contrast materials.

Connecticut Subscriber

Answer: You’ll need more anatomical information to code this claim correctly. Go back and check the encounter notes to see the area of the spine in which the physician performed the CT. Then, choose from the following codes:

• 72126 (Computed tomography, cervical spine; with contrast material)
• 72129 (Computed tomography, thoracic spine; with contrast material)
• 72132 (Computed tomography, lumbar spine; with contrast material).