Summary & Overview
CPT 76120: Motion X‑ray Recording of Physiologic Movement
CPT code 76120 represents motion X-ray recording: a dynamic radiographic study that captures a sequence of images to reproduce a cycle of movement, such as the cardiac cycle or spinal motion. Nationally, this code is used to bill for diagnostic studies that require temporal resolution to evaluate physiologic motion or biomechanical function, and it informs utilization patterns for advanced radiographic imaging.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The summary addresses coverage and coding considerations across major national payers.
Readers will learn what this code denotes in clinical and billing contexts, typical sites of service where the procedure is performed, and the kinds of benchmarks and policy updates relevant to dynamic radiographic studies. The publication also outlines clinical context for use—when motion imaging is applicable—and explains where data is available or absent for payer-specific coverage and utilization. Data not available in the input is indicated where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 76120 describes motion X-ray recording, a service that acquires a series of individual images played back at a rapid rate to visualize a cycle of movement. The procedure images dynamic physiologic motion, such as the cardiac cycle or motion of the spine, by capturing sequential radiographic frames that together resemble a motion picture.
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Service type: Diagnostic motion radiography (dynamic fluoroscopic imaging capturing a movement cycle)
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Typical site of service: Hospital radiology departments or outpatient imaging centers where radiographic motion studies are performed
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 58-year-old patient with progressive neck pain and intermittent radicular symptoms is referred for dynamic spinal imaging to evaluate cervical spine motion and identify occult instability. The imaging department schedules a motion X-ray study to capture flexion and extension cycles of the cervical spine. The patient arrives at an outpatient radiology clinic or hospital imaging suite. A radiologic technologist explains the procedure, positions the patient, and acquires a rapid series of individual images while the patient performs controlled flexion and extension maneuvers; the images are played back to demonstrate the motion cycle. The radiologist reviews the motion sequence, documents findings such as abnormal translation, spondylolisthesis with dynamic change, or fixation failure, and generates a report. The motion X-ray may be requested pre- or post-operatively, or when static radiographs and MRI are inconclusive for functional instability.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | When billing only the interpreting physician's portion of the service separate from technical equipment fees. |
TC | Technical component |