Radiology Coding Alert

Question: How should I code an MRI of the lumbar spine, sacrum, and coccyx without contrast?

Florida Subscriber

Answer: You should report exams of the sacrum and sacroiliac joints with a pelvis MRI code (72195-72197).

Because the study was "without contrast," choose 72195 (Magnetic resonance [e.g., proton] imaging, pelvis; without contrast material[s]).

One pelvis code should cover both the sacrum and coccyx MRI.

You may report a lumbar spine MRI code (72148, 72149, 72158) separately as long as you have orders, medical necessity, and documentation for both studies.

Assuming you meet documentation requirements, for the noncontrast study, you should report 72148 (Magnetic resonance [e.g., proton] imaging, spinal canal and contents, lumbar; without contrast material[s]).