Radiology Coding Alert

Question: How should I code "MRI of LS spine and sacrum and coccyx"?


North Carolina Subscriber

Answer: Report exams of the sacrum and sacroiliac joints with a pelvis MRI code (72195-72197). One pelvis code should cover both the sacrum and coccyx MRI. You may report a lumbosacral (LS) spine MRI code (72148, 72149, 72158) separately as long as you have orders, medical necessity, and documentation for both studies.

The correct codes will depend on the documentation of contrast.

Example: Your chart shows that the physician performed all studies with contrast. You should report 72196 (Magnetic resonance [e.g., proton] imaging, pelvis; with contrast material[s]) and 72149 (Magnetic resonance [e.g., proton] imaging, spinal canal and contents, lumbar; with contrast material[s]).