Summary & Overview
CPT 72255: Thoracic Spine Myelogram Imaging Supervision and Interpretation
CPT code 72255 represents the imaging supervision and interpretation component of a thoracic spine myelogram, a diagnostic fluoroscopic procedure that uses intrathecal contrast and X‑ray imaging to evaluate the thoracic spinal canal and its contents. This code is important nationally because accurate reporting distinguishes the interpretation component from technical services, affects billing workflows, and informs utilization of fluoroscopic diagnostic spine imaging.
Key payers considered in this overview include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of the clinical service captured by the code, typical sites of service, and the service type. The analysis highlights where CPT code 72255 fits within diagnostic imaging workflows and what to expect when it is reported separately from technical components.
The publication provides benchmarks and coding guidance context (where available), summarizes common modifiers and billing considerations, and situates the code within clinical practice for thoracic myelography. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 72255 describes imaging supervision and interpretation for a thoracic spine myelogram. In this procedure, the provider injects contrast material into the spinal canal in the thoracic (chest) region and acquires a series of X‑ray images to evaluate the spinal canal and its contents for injury, compression, lesions, or other abnormalities. This code represents only the imaging supervision and interpretation portion of the myelogram procedure.
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Service type: Diagnostic imaging supervision and interpretation for a thoracic myelogram
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Typical site of service: Hospital radiology department, outpatient imaging center, or ambulatory surgical center where fluoroscopic spinal procedures are performed
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 58-year-old patient with progressive thoracic back pain, lower extremity numbness, and intermittent gait instability is referred for a thoracic myelogram to evaluate possible spinal canal stenosis, intradural lesion, or suspected cerebrospinal fluid leak. The patient presents to the radiology suite after pre-procedure screening and informed consent. An interventional radiologist or neuroradiologist performs lumbar or cervical puncture to inject iodinated contrast and obtains fluoroscopic and spot radiographic series of the thoracic spine while supervising image acquisition and interpreting the results. Sedation or monitored anesthesia care may be arranged depending on patient comorbidities. The report documents contrast injection, fluoroscopic technique, number and orientation of images, findings related to spinal cord compression, intradural masses or arachnoiditis, and any immediate procedure-related complications. Charge reporting uses code 72255 to represent the imaging supervision and interpretation component of a thoracic spine myelogram when the provider is not billing the technical component for equipment or radiologic technologist services.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | When billing only the physician interpretation/supervision portion of the study (commonly used with ). |