Summary & Overview

CPT 72110: Lumbosacral Spine X‑Ray, Four or More Views

CPT code 72110 represents a diagnostic radiographic exam of the lumbosacral spine performed with at least four views to assess for abnormal curvatures, fractures, or cancer. This code captures a common initial imaging modality for patients presenting with lower back pain, trauma, or suspected spinal pathology and is widely used across outpatient and hospital imaging settings. Nationally, radiographic spine exams are a high‑volume service with implications for care pathways, imaging utilization, and initial diagnostic workups.

Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find context on clinical indications for the service, typical sites of service, common billing modifiers (listed separately), and where the code fits in imaging workflows. The publication provides benchmarks and policy context relevant to national payers, highlights clinical considerations for use of plain radiography versus advanced imaging, and summarizes elements that affect coding and billing of this service.

The report is intended for coding professionals, radiology departments, and policy analysts seeking a concise reference to CPT code 72110, its clinical role in lumbosacral spine evaluation, and the payer landscape that commonly covers the service.

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Billing Code Overview

CPT code 72110 describes a diagnostic radiographic procedure consisting of at least four X‑ray views of the lumbosacral spine. The study evaluates the lumbar and sacral regions for abnormal spinal curvatures, fractures, or neoplastic processes.

Service type: Radiographic imaging (diagnostic X‑ray) of the lumbosacral spine

Typical site of service: Hospital radiology department, outpatient imaging center, or ambulatory surgical center

Data not available in the input.

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 52-year-old patient presents to an outpatient radiology suite with a 6-week history of low back pain radiating to the left buttock after a mechanical lifting injury. The referring primary care physician documents localized lumbar tenderness, decreased range of motion, and concern for possible compression fracture or progressive scoliosis. The radiology department schedules a plain radiographic study of the lumbosacral spine. The technologist performs at least four views (typically anteroposterior, lateral, and two oblique or spot views) while the radiologist documents imaging findings such as alignment, vertebral body height, disc space narrowing, spondylolysis, or lytic lesions. Images are interpreted by a radiologist and reported to the referring clinician for further management.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`26`	Professional component	Use when billing only the radiologist interpretation separate from technical component.
`TC`	Technical component	Use when billing only the facility/technical portion (equipment, technologist).
`50`	Bilateral procedure	Use if a bilateral anatomic distinction is required; rarely applicable for lumbosacral plain films but available when documenting bilateral imaging of paired structures.
`52`	Reduced services	Use when the study is partially reduced (e.g., limited number of views due to patient inability).
`53`	Discontinued procedure	Use when procedure is started but discontinued for patient safety reasons.
`76`	Repeat procedure by same physician/tech	Use if the same facility repeats the imaging during the same visit because of technical failure.
`77`	Repeat procedure by another physician/tech	Use if a different facility or technologist repeats the imaging.
`59`	Distinct procedural service	Use when another distinct procedure is performed at the same encounter that is not typically bundled with the radiograph.
`25`	Significant, separately identifiable E/M service	Use when a significant evaluation and management service is performed on the same day as the radiograph.
`22`	Increased procedural services	Use when work or resources significantly exceed typical requirements (document justification).
`52`	Reduced services	Use when fewer than planned views obtained due to patient condition.
`XU`	Unusual non-overlapping service	Use to report an unbundled distinct service when applicable and supported by documentation.

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
2085R0200X	Diagnostic Radiology	Most common interpreting specialty for `72110`.
2084P0200X	Emergency Medicine	Often orders and may perform plain radiographs in ED setting for acute back pain or trauma.
207L00000X	Family Medicine	Common referring specialty that requests lumbosacral radiographs for initial outpatient evaluation.
207R00000X	Internal Medicine	Frequently refers patients for imaging in primary care workflows.
2086S0102X	Orthopedic Surgery	Refers for radiographs for evaluation of fractures, deformity, or preoperative planning.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`M54.5`	Low back pain	Common indication for lumbosacral radiographs to evaluate alignment, fracture, or degenerative change.
`S32.0`	Fracture of lumbar vertebra	Plain films used to detect acute compression or burst fractures after trauma.
`M43.9`	Spondylosis, unspecified	Radiographs assess degenerative changes and loss of disc height.
`M48.06`	Spinal stenosis, lumbar region	Radiographs can show alignment and degenerative changes prompting further imaging.
`C79.31`	Secondary malignant neoplasm of bone — vertebrae	Radiographs may detect lytic or blastic lesions suggesting metastatic disease.
`M43.0`	Scoliosis	Radiographs provide curve measurement and monitoring of progression.
`M51.2`	Other specified intervertebral disc displacement, lumbar region	Radiographs are an initial imaging step; advanced imaging often required for soft-tissue assessment.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`72020`	Radiologic examination, spine, cervical; 2 or 3 views	Performed when cervical spine evaluation is also required in multi-region trauma or pain assessment; complementary to lumbosacral imaging.
`72114`	Radiologic examination, pelvis and hips; 3 views	May be ordered alongside lumbosacral views when hip pathology or pelvic involvement is suspected.
`72148`	Radiologic examination, sacroiliac joints, 2 or 3 views	Ordered when sacroiliac joint pathology is a clinical concern in addition to lumbosacral spine evaluation.
`72131`	Computed tomography, pelvis and hips; without contrast	Advanced imaging that may follow plain radiographs if fracture, malignancy, or complex pathology is suspected.
`72141`	Magnetic resonance imaging, pelvis and hips; without contrast	Advanced modality used when soft-tissue, neural element, or disc pathology is suspected after radiographs.