Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Question: What are the new codes for scoliosis X-rays assessment introduced this year?

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Colorado Subscriber

Answer: CPT^® 2016 replaced 72090 (Radiologic examination, spine; scoliosis study, including supine and erect studies) with 72081 (Radiologic examination, spine, entire thoracic and lumbar, including skull, cervical and sacral spine if performed [e.g., scoliosis evaluation]; one view) for full spine single view, and three successive codes for additional views.

The following were the new codes:

• 72082 – ­ … 2 or 3 views
• 72083 – … 4 or 5 views
• 72084 – … minimum of 6 views.

Report 72081 to report a single plain X-ray image of the entire thoracic and lumbar spine taken from a single angle or direction (projection). The single image may include the skull, neck (cervical spine), and tailbone (sacral spine). So, if included, do report a separate code. The procedure is typically performed to evaluate a patient for scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine that is oriented from side to side.

If the provider takes two or three views of the back, use code 72082; for four or five views of the back, use code 72083; and if the provider takes at least six views of the back, use code 72084.