72040 X-ray examination neck spine 2-3 vw
Also known as: cervical spine X-ray, C-spine radiograph, neck spine series
Radiography of the cervical spine including two to three views providing assessment of cervical vertebral bodies, intervertebral spaces, and cervical alignment.
In Plain Language
neck bone X-ray; cervical vertebra imaging
Clinical Context
Essential for evaluation of neck trauma, cervical spondylosis, and alignment assessment. Two to three view approach allows orthogonal assessment of cervical pathology.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.21 |
| Total RVU | 0.21 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
Radiology codes require a written order, clinical indication, and a formal interpretation report. The professional component (modifier -26) and technical component (modifier -TC) may be billed separately.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 0.21, this code ranks in the 13th percentile among Radiology codes — 3.9x below the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 72040?
CPT 72040 (X-ray examination neck spine 2-3 vw) is a Radiology code. Radiography of the cervical spine including two to three views providing assessment of cervical vertebral bodies, intervertebral spaces, and cervical alignment.
Who uses CPT code 72040?
CPT 72040 is used by Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine. Essential for evaluation of neck trauma, cervical spondylosis, and alignment assessment. Two to three view approach allows orthogonal assessment of cervical pathology.
When is CPT 72040 used?
Essential for evaluation of neck trauma, cervical spondylosis, and alignment assessment. Two to three view approach allows orthogonal assessment of cervical pathology.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.