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A radiologic examination of the thoracolumbar spine, designated by CPT® Code 72069, involves capturing images while the patient is in a standing position. This procedure is specifically aimed at demonstrating scoliosis, which is a condition characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. The examination can identify the type of scoliosis present, such as adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and assess the degree of curvature. The process utilizes X-ray technology, which employs indirect ionizing radiation to create images of the internal structures of the body. X-rays are particularly effective for imaging non-uniform materials like human tissue due to the varying densities and compositions of the tissues, allowing some X-rays to be absorbed while others pass through. This differential absorption results in a two-dimensional image that reveals the anatomical structures of the thoracolumbar region. During the examination, standing posteroanterior view X-rays are taken of the thoracolumbar vertebrae to evaluate any lateral curvature. The patient is positioned with their knees together and in full extension in front of a vertical grid, ensuring a consistent and accurate representation of the spine. Typically, two exposures are made without changing the patient's position, and the field of view is carefully selected to encompass the entire thoracolumbar spine. The assessment includes measuring the vertebral bodies that are most tilted above and below the apex of the spinal curve, using intersecting lines to determine the degree of curvature accurately.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The radiologic examination of the thoracolumbar spine, as indicated by CPT® Code 72069, is performed for the following conditions:
The procedure for conducting a radiologic examination of the thoracolumbar spine involves several key steps:
Post-procedure care for the patient typically involves no specific requirements, as the radiologic examination is non-invasive and does not necessitate recovery time. Patients may resume normal activities immediately following the procedure. However, it is essential for healthcare providers to review the X-ray results to determine if further evaluation or treatment is necessary based on the findings of the curvature and type of scoliosis identified.
| Short Descr | X-RAY EXAM TRUNK SPINE STAND | Medium Descr | RADEX SPINE THORACOLMBR STANDING SCOLIOSIS | Long Descr | Radiologic examination, spine, thoracolumbar, standing (scoliosis) | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | STV-Packaged Codes | Type of Service (TOS) | 4 - Diagnostic Radiology | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | I1B - Standard imaging - musculoskeletal | MUE | Not applicable/unspecified. | CCS Clinical Classification | 226 - Other diagnostic radiology and related techniques |
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