72149 MRI lumbar spine with dye
Also known as: lumbar spine MRI with contrast, enhanced L-spine imaging, gadolinium-enhanced lumbar myelography
Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine with intravenous gadolinium contrast medium enhancement. Enhanced visualization of lumbar nerve roots and spinal cord.
Clinical Context
Used for evaluation of arachnoiditis, scarring from previous surgery, infection, and enhanced lesion characterization. Gadolinium improves visualization of pathologic enhancement.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.74 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 6.21 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.12 |
| Total RVU | 8.07 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Specialties
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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.