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How to Use CPT Code 72052 Guide for 6+ Cervical Spine Views

Two gurop of professional women and men scan hand and leg bone for x ray about the treatment doctors use the cpt code 72052 for treatment and billing process.

Accurate coding is the cornerstone of clean claims and timely reimbursements. Knowing when and how to use CPT code 72052 for radiology providers and billing teams can make the difference between a smooth approval and a frustrating denial.

Whether you’re a radiologist, healthcare provider, or billing specialist at Cures Medical Billing Services, this comprehensive guide will help you understand, bill, and document CPT 72052 confidently. 

Let’s walk through it, based on real practice experience and hands-on billing insights.

What Is CPT Code 72052?

CPT code 72052 is used for a radiologic investigation of the cervical spine, specifically, when six or more views are taken throughout the session.

In simpler terms, this code describes a detailed and multi-angle X-ray of the neck region. It’s typically ordered when there’s a need to evaluate complex injuries, neck pain, or cervical abnormalities.

CPT Code 72052 Description

  • Anatomy involved: Cervical spine (neck)
  • Imaging views: Six or more views
  • Modality: X-ray (not MRI or CT)
  • Purpose: To assess fractures, dislocations, spinal alignment, degenerative changes, or post-op follow-up

Compared to CPT code 72050, which is for 4 or 5 views, and CPT 72020, which is just a single view, 72052 represents the most comprehensive cervical spine X-ray series.

When to Use CPT 72052

During the time assisting imaging centers with billing corrections, one common issue was undercoding. For instance, a patient with trauma to the neck gets six or more X-rays, but the coder mistakenly uses 72050 or 72020, leading to underpayment.

Always confirm:

  • How many views were captured
  • That the exam was completed as ordered
  • Medical necessity is documented

This prevents issues and maximizes reimbursement.

CPT Code 72052 Definition & How It Differs from Related Codes

Code

Description

Typical Use

72020

Single view, cervical spine

Initial evaluation, minor complaint

72050

4 or 5 views

Routine or moderate study

72052

6 or more views

Complex or comprehensive cases

72072

Flexion/extension views only

Cervical motion studies

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CPT Code 72052 Reimbursement

Reimbursement varies by region and payer. Here’s what providers usually see:

  • Medicare average: ~$50–$80
  • Private insurance: ~$90–$130
  • RVU: ~1.16 (Check CMS physician fee schedule annually)

Billing Tip: Always ensure documentation supports why a full 6+ view exam was necessary. This helps justify the charge and avoid payer audits.

Documentation Checklist for CPT 72052

To get claims accepted without delay:

  • Include the clinical reason for the study (e.g., trauma, radiculopathy, post-op evaluation)
  • Confirm that 6 or more distinct views were performed
  • Indicate if flexion/extension views were included or billed separately
  • Attach relevant ICD-10 diagnosis codes supporting medical necessity

Does CPT Code 72052 Apply to MRI or CT?

No. CPT 72052 refers to X-ray imaging of the cervical spine.

If the provider ordered an MRI, you’d consider:

  • MRI brain CPT code: 70551 (w/o contrast), 70552 (w/w/contrast), 70553 (w & w/o)
  • MRI lumbar spine w/o contrast CPT code: 72148

For CT scans, consider:

These are billed separately and should never be confused with 72052.

CPT Code 72052 Modifiers & Billing Scenarios

Most cases won’t need modifiers, but here’s when to consider them:

  • Apply modifier -26 if you’re billing only for the interpretation or reading of the imaging.
  • Use modifier -TC when submitting claims solely for the equipment use and image capture
  • Not modifier: When together, works are provided by the same entity

Real Experience from Billing Staff at Cures Medical Billing

“One of our clients lost thousands in underpayments over six months by billing 72050 when they performed six or more views every time. We helped them audit reports, resubmit claims with CPT code 72052, and they recovered over $10,000 in missed revenue.”

That’s why accurate CPT usage, especially for high-volume imaging centers, can directly impact your bottom line.

Related CPT Codes to Know

  • 72295 CPT code – Pyelography for spinal cord assessment
  • T2038 CPT code – Targeted for Medicaid/waiver programs (not related to imaging, but often misused)
  • MRI brain CPT code, CT CPT codes, 72072, 72020 – Know when to differentiate these in documentation

Final Thoughts

Understanding the CPT code 72052 isn’t just about coding—it’s about protecting revenue, improving documentation, and staying compliant with payer policies. At Cures Medical Billing Services, we help radiology practices and outpatient imaging centers optimize billing, reduce rejections, and increase collections.

Let us handle the medical coding accuracy, so you can focus on delivering excellent patient care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

CPT code 72052 is used when a complete cervical spine X-ray is performed with six or more distinct views. From a clinical perspective, it’s often ordered when there’s a concern about trauma, spinal alignment, degenerative disease, or post-surgical complications. This code reflects a detailed evaluation, capturing multiple angles to ensure nothing is missed, especially in complex or symptomatic cases.

All three codes refer to cervical spine imaging, they differ in the number of views taken:

  • 72020 is for a single view (like a basic initial screen),
  • 72050 includes 4 or 5 views, often used for moderate detail,
  • 72052, our focus here, is the most comprehensive—6 or more views.

From knowledge, in coding is a mutual mistake that leads to revenue loss. Always double-check the radiology report before coding.

In real-world billing, proper documentation is everything. To support 72052, make sure the following are clearly noted:

  • The number of views performed (must be 6 or more),
  • The clinical indication (e.g., trauma, pain, stiffness),
  • Any findings or abnormalities that justify the exam’s scope.

Radiologists should specify the views taken, and referring providers should ensure the medical necessity is outlined in the chart. This helps avoid denials and supports clean claim submission.

Yes, but with caution. If a patient receives a cervical spine X-ray and then gets an MRI brain (CPT 70551 or 70553) or CT chest (71250), both can be billed, only if medically necessary and separately documented.

From a billing standpoint, make sure each imaging order stands on its own and isn’t redundant. Bundling concerns can trigger payer scrutiny, so modifiers or additional documentation may be needed depending on the payer.

CPT 72052 typically reimburses more than other cervical spine imaging codes because it reflects a higher level of diagnostic effort. On average:

  • Medicare pays between $50–$80, depending on location.
  • Private payers may go up to $120+.
  • RVU value is approximately 1.16, which justifies its use when applicable.

Many practices underuse this code out of habit. But if your X-ray techs or radiologists are routinely doing 6+ views, you’re leaving money on the table by not coding 72052.

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