72141 MRI neck spine without dye
Also known as: cervical spine MRI, C-spine MRI noncontrast, neck spine imaging, MRI cervical spine without contrast, MRI C-spine
Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine without intravenous gadolinium contrast medium. Excellent soft tissue contrast for evaluation of cervical spinal cord and neural structures.
In Plain Language
neck spine scan without dye; cervical MRI imaging
Clinical Context
Standard study for cervical myelopathy, radiculopathy, disc herniation, and cervical cord pathology evaluation. Superior soft tissue contrast to CT without radiation.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.44 |
| Total RVU | 1.44 |
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 1.44, this code ranks in the 77th percentile among Radiology codes — 1.8x the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 72141?
CPT 72141 (MRI neck spine without dye) is a Radiology code. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine without intravenous gadolinium contrast medium. Excellent soft tissue contrast for evaluation of cervical spinal cord and neural structures.
Who uses CPT code 72141?
CPT 72141 is used by Neurosurgery, Neurology, Orthopedic Surgery. Standard study for cervical myelopathy, radiculopathy, disc herniation, and cervical cord pathology evaluation. Superior soft tissue contrast to CT without radiation.
When is CPT 72141 used?
Standard study for cervical myelopathy, radiculopathy, disc herniation, and cervical cord pathology evaluation. Superior soft tissue contrast to CT without radiation.
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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.