ICD-10-PCS Code For Lumbar Spine: Procedure Code Group Overview

The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS) code group BR29 includes procedures performed to capture computerized tomography images of the lumbar spine. These ICD-10-PCS codes are used for inpatient documentation when multiplanar imaging of the lumbar spine is performed to evaluate or monitor spinal pathology or guide inpatient care. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-PCS BR29 group is essential for proper inpatient reimbursement, as it captures the imaging procedure performed and supports clinical documentation accuracy.

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Lumbar Spine Computerized Tomography Procedure Overview

This procedure group includes inpatient computerized tomography imaging of the lumbar spine, part of the axial skeleton. These procedures capture multiplanar digital images developed from multiple exposures of external ionizing radiation to evaluate lumbar spine anatomy and pathology. Accurate ICD-10-PCS coding ensures the documented imaging procedure is reflected in inpatient records and supports appropriate reimbursement.

Code Attributes

Character	ICD-10-PCS Category	Code Group Details
B	Section	Imaging
R	Body System	Axial Skeleton, Except Skull and Facial Bones
2	Operation	Computerized Tomography (CT Scan)
9	Body Part	Lumbar Spine

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ICD-10-PCS Code For Lumbar Spine: Procedure Code Group Overview

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Lumbar Spine Computerized Tomography Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

Character	ICD-10-PCS Category	Code Group Details
B	Section	Imaging
R	Body System	Axial Skeleton, Except Skull and Facial Bones
2	Operation	Computerized Tomography (CT Scan)
9	Body Part	Lumbar Spine

When to Use

Use a code from this group when an inpatient computerized tomography scan of the lumbar spine is performed to obtain multiplanar reformatted images. Codes are assigned when the CT imaging is part of the inpatient record and contributes to diagnosis, treatment planning, or monitoring of lumbar spine conditions.

ICD-10-PCS Codes

4 rows

ICD-10-PCS Code	Description
BR290ZZ	Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Lumbar Spine using High Osmolar Contrast
BR291ZZ	Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Lumbar Spine using Low Osmolar Contrast
BR29YZZ	Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Lumbar Spine using Other Contrast
BR29ZZZ	Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Lumbar Spine

Typical Clinical Scenarios

An adult trauma patient is admitted after a motor vehicle collision with severe lower back pain, focal lumbar tenderness, and new-onset lower extremity weakness. Inpatient computerized tomography imaging of the lumbar spine is performed with intravenous low osmolar contrast to evaluate for acute vertebral fractures, epidural hematoma, or spinal canal compromise when initial radiographs are inconclusive. The study provides multiplanar reformatted images to guide urgent surgical or medical management decisions. Typical codes: BR291ZZ
A middle-aged inpatient with progressive neurogenic claudication and known lumbar degenerative disease is scheduled for preoperative imaging to plan decompression and fusion. A planned computerized tomography scan of the lumbar spine using high osmolar contrast is obtained to better delineate osseous detail, foraminal stenosis, and complex anatomy for surgical planning. Multiplanar reformatted images are used by the surgical team to define levels and approach. Typical codes: BR290ZZ
An inpatient with prior lumbar instrumentation develops new postoperative fever and worsening radicular pain; concern exists for postoperative infection or abscess near the instrumentation. Computerized tomography imaging of the lumbar spine using other contrast (such as an intrathecal or alternative agent documented in the record) is performed to evaluate for fluid collection, assess the relationship to hardware, and guide potential interventional drainage. Multiplanar reformatted images assist in determining the location and extent of suspected complications. Typical codes: BR29YZZ

ICD-10-PCS Code For Cervical Spine: Procedure Code Group Overview

BR27-THORACIC-SPINE-REVISION-THORACIC-SPINE-COMPUTERIZED-TOMOGRAPHY

ICD-10-PCS Code For Thoracic Spine: Procedure Code Group Overview

BR2C-PELVIS-COMPUTERIZED-TOMOGRAPHY

ICD-10-PCS Code For Pelvis: Procedure Code Group Overview

BR2D-SACROILIAC-JOINTS-COMPUTERIZED-TOMOGRAPHY

ICD-10-PCS Code For Sacroiliac Joints: Procedure Code Group Overview

BR2F-SACRUM-AND-COCCYX-COMPUTERIZED-TOMOGRAPHY

ICD-10-PCS Code For Sacrum And Coccyx: Procedure Code Group Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

4 rows

ICD-10-PCS Code	Description
BR290ZZ	Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Lumbar Spine using High Osmolar Contrast
BR291ZZ	Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Lumbar Spine using Low Osmolar Contrast
BR29YZZ	Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Lumbar Spine using Other Contrast
BR29ZZZ	Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Lumbar Spine

Typical Clinical Scenarios

An adult trauma patient is admitted after a motor vehicle collision with severe lower back pain, focal lumbar tenderness, and new-onset lower extremity weakness. Inpatient computerized tomography imaging of the lumbar spine is performed with intravenous low osmolar contrast to evaluate for acute vertebral fractures, epidural hematoma, or spinal canal compromise when initial radiographs are inconclusive. The study provides multiplanar reformatted images to guide urgent surgical or medical management decisions. Typical codes: BR291ZZ
A middle-aged inpatient with progressive neurogenic claudication and known lumbar degenerative disease is scheduled for preoperative imaging to plan decompression and fusion. A planned computerized tomography scan of the lumbar spine using high osmolar contrast is obtained to better delineate osseous detail, foraminal stenosis, and complex anatomy for surgical planning. Multiplanar reformatted images are used by the surgical team to define levels and approach. Typical codes: BR290ZZ
An inpatient with prior lumbar instrumentation develops new postoperative fever and worsening radicular pain; concern exists for postoperative infection or abscess near the instrumentation. Computerized tomography imaging of the lumbar spine using other contrast (such as an intrathecal or alternative agent documented in the record) is performed to evaluate for fluid collection, assess the relationship to hardware, and guide potential interventional drainage. Multiplanar reformatted images assist in determining the location and extent of suspected complications. Typical codes: BR29YZZ

ICD-10-PCS Code For Cervical Spine: Procedure Code Group Overview

BR27-THORACIC-SPINE-REVISION-THORACIC-SPINE-COMPUTERIZED-TOMOGRAPHY

ICD-10-PCS Code For Thoracic Spine: Procedure Code Group Overview

BR2C-PELVIS-COMPUTERIZED-TOMOGRAPHY

ICD-10-PCS Code For Pelvis: Procedure Code Group Overview

BR2D-SACROILIAC-JOINTS-COMPUTERIZED-TOMOGRAPHY

ICD-10-PCS Code For Sacroiliac Joints: Procedure Code Group Overview

BR2F-SACRUM-AND-COCCYX-COMPUTERIZED-TOMOGRAPHY

ICD-10-PCS Code For Sacrum And Coccyx: Procedure Code Group Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

OpenPayer

ICD-10-PCS Code For Lumbar Spine: Procedure Code Group Overview

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Lumbar Spine Computerized Tomography Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

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ICD-10-PCS Code For Lumbar Spine: Procedure Code Group Overview

Sign up for ICD-10-PCS Code For Lumbar Spine: Procedure Code Group Overview policy alerts

Lumbar Spine Computerized Tomography Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

References

When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

References

ICD-10-PCS Code For Lumbar Spine: Procedure Code Group Overview

Sign up for ICD-10-PCS Code For Lumbar Spine: Procedure Code Group Overview policy alerts

Lumbar Spine Computerized Tomography Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

ICD-10-PCS Code For Lumbar Spine: Procedure Code Group Overview

Sign up for ICD-10-PCS Code For Lumbar Spine: Procedure Code Group Overview policy alerts

Lumbar Spine Computerized Tomography Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

What procedures are included in the BR29 ICD-10-PCS group?

Which ICD-10-PCS codes represent CT of the lumbar spine with contrast in BR29?

What are the code attributes for BR29 procedures?

When should BR29 codes be used in inpatient documentation?

Are there related DRGs listed for BR29 codes?

References

When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

What procedures are included in the BR29 ICD-10-PCS group?

Which ICD-10-PCS codes represent CT of the lumbar spine with contrast in BR29?

What are the code attributes for BR29 procedures?

When should BR29 codes be used in inpatient documentation?

Are there related DRGs listed for BR29 codes?

References