July 15, 2025
In today’s evolving healthcare landscape, accuracy in radiology billing is not just important, it’s essential for getting paid on time. At Cures Medical Billing Services, we’ve seen how even routine imaging codes like CPT code 72070 can result in delays or denials when not billed correctly.
That’s why this blog is built from real-world experience, tailored to healthcare providers and radiology billing teams alike.
CPT code 72070 refers to a radiologic exam of the thoracic spine using two views, typically the anteroposterior (AP) and lateral views. It falls under diagnostic radiology and helps assess spinal injuries, deformities, or diseases in the thoracic region (T1–T12 vertebrae).
Radiologic examination, spine, thoracic; 2 views
It’s a simple yet vital diagnostic tool used for:
This code should be used when:
For comparison:
At Cures, we often see errors when providers confuse 72070 with full-spine studies or combine it incorrectly with cervical or lumbar codes.
Modifiers are crucial when billing CPT 72070 with other procedures or under specific payer policies:
Pro tip: Always verify payer-specific guidelines. Medicare and private insurers vary in how they process global vs. component-based billing.
It’s easy to mix up spine imaging codes, especially when ordering or coding multiple modalities. Here’s how CPT 72070 stacks up:
Code | Imaging Type | Region | With Contrast? |
72070 | X-ray, 2 views | Thoracic spine | No |
72146 | MRI Lumbar Spine w/o | Lumbar spine | No |
70450 | CT Brain w/o contrast | Brain | No |
71260 | CT Chest w/ contrast | Chest | Yes |
74177 | CT Abdomen & Pelvis w/ | Abd/Pelvis | Yes |
Radiologic exams like 72070 are often the first line of imaging, particularly in ER or urgent care settings.
The reimbursement rate for CPT code 72070 varies depending on your payer, region, and whether you’re billing the global, professional, or technical portion.
At Cures Medical Billing, we’ve noticed claims get denied or downcoded for:
Common ICD-10 Codes Supporting 72070:
Here are the errors we’ve helped providers fix in actual practice:
If you’re an imaging center or multi-specialty clinic, knowing when to bundle vs. separate charges using modifiers is essential for compliance and revenue recovery.
“One of our orthopedic clients kept getting denials for CPT 72070. Turns out, their front desk was entering it as a lumbar x-ray. Just fixing the documentation and training the intake staff improved their approval rate by over 40% in one quarter.”
Billing Specialist, Cures Medical Billing
CPT code 72070 may seem simple, but getting it right can significantly affect your bottom line. Whether you’re a radiologist, orthopedic provider, or internal medicine clinic, your billing team should ensure:
At Cures Medical Billing, we help healthcare providers like you get paid faster, without the coding headaches.
Let our experts handle it. Visit our Radiology Billing Services to streamline your CPT 72070 claims and get your reimbursements on time, without denials.
CPT code 72070 is used to report a diagnostic X-ray of the thoracic spine using exactly two views—usually anteroposterior (front) and lateral (side). It helps detect issues like fractures, deformities, or degenerative changes in the mid-back area.
Use modifiers with CPT 72070 when you’re billing for either the professional (Modifier 26) or technical (Modifier TC) components separately. Modifier 59 may be needed if the X-ray is performed alongside a different, unrelated service.
Yes, but you must avoid code overlap. If you’re performing lumbar or cervical spine imaging during the same session, you must document clearly and use the correct codes. Always ensure medical necessity is established to avoid payer denials.
CPT 72070 is for 2 views of the thoracic spine. If 3 views are taken—typically including oblique or flexion/extension views—then you should report CPT 72072 instead. Using the wrong code can lead to claim rejections or payment delays.
Common ICD-10 codes used with CPT 72070 include:
Yes. If you’re performing a thoracic X-ray to evaluate scoliosis or kyphosis, and you’re capturing two views, CPT 72070 is appropriate. Just be sure to pair it with a diagnosis like M41.2 to indicate the clinical reason for the exam.
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