Radiology Coding Alert

Question: If the patient has a cross-table C-spine (72020), the radiologist clears the cross table, and then later the same day the patient has a C-spine series (72050), should I report both codes?

Minnesota Subscriber

Answer: If the documentation supports medical necessity for both exams, you may report 72020 (Radiologic examination, spine, single view, specify level) and 72050 (Radiologic examination, spine, cervical; minimum of four views) on the same claim.

Remember: Append modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) to 72020 to indicate that the patient had the cross-table exam at a separate session.

Caution: To submit the cross-table as a separate exam with modifier 59, the two exams must be performed at distinctly separate sessions. If the cross-table is taken and the C-spine series is performed immediately or shortly thereafter, then you should consider the cross-table part of the series.