72158 MRI lumbar spine without & with dye
Also known as: lumbar spine MRI with and without contrast, dual-phase L-spine MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine performed with noncontrast and intravenous gadolinium contrast acquisitions. Comprehensive imaging combining baseline and enhanced sequences.
In Plain Language
complete lower back spine scan; comprehensive lumbar imaging
Clinical Context
Comprehensive lumbar protocol when both baseline anatomy and enhanced pathology characterization are needed for complex low back pathology.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.23 |
| Total RVU | 2.23 |
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 2.23, this code ranks in the 94th percentile among Radiology codes — 2.8x the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 72158?
CPT 72158 (MRI lumbar spine without & with dye) is a Radiology code. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine performed with noncontrast and intravenous gadolinium contrast acquisitions. Comprehensive imaging combining baseline and enhanced sequences.
Who uses CPT code 72158?
CPT 72158 is used by Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Radiology. Comprehensive lumbar protocol when both baseline anatomy and enhanced pathology characterization are needed for complex low back pathology.
When is CPT 72158 used?
Comprehensive lumbar protocol when both baseline anatomy and enhanced pathology characterization are needed for complex low back 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.