Radiology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Pelvis MRI includes Sacrum and Coccyx

Question: How can we report an MRI of the lumbosacral spine? The documentation mentions: LS spine and sacrum and coccyx.

Indiana Subscriber

Answer: For MRI of sacrum and coccyx spine, you should consider the codes for MRI of the pelvis, 72195 (Magnetic resonance [e.g., proton] imaging, pelvis; without contrast material[s]), 72196 (Magnetic resonance [e.g., proton] imaging, pelvis; with contrast material[s]), and 72197 (Magnetic resonance [e.g., proton] imaging, pelvis; without contrast material[s], followed by contrast material[s] and further sequences). These pelvis codes cover the MRI of the sacrum, coccyx, and sacroiliac joints.

In addition, you may report one of the following Lumbosacral (LS) spine MRI codes:

  • 72148 — Magnetic resonance (e.g., proton) imaging, spinal canal and contents, lumbar; without contrast material
  • 72149 — ... with contrast material(s).


Other Articles in this issue of

Radiology Coding Alert

View All