72159 Mr angio spine without & with dye
Also known as: spinal angiography, spinal MRA, vascular cord imaging
Magnetic resonance angiography of the entire spinal column including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vasculature performed with noncontrast and/or intravenous gadolinium contrast medium.
In Plain Language
spinal blood vessel scan; cord blood flow imaging
Clinical Context
Used for evaluation of spinal vascular malformations, arteriovenous fistulas, and spinal cord ischemia. Provides non-invasive assessment of spinal vasculature.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.76 |
| Total RVU | 1.76 |
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 1.76, this code ranks in the 85th percentile among Radiology codes — 2.2x the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 72159?
CPT 72159 (Mr angio spine without & with dye) is a Radiology code. Magnetic resonance angiography of the entire spinal column including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vasculature performed with noncontrast and/or intravenous gadolinium contrast medium.
Who uses CPT code 72159?
CPT 72159 is used by Neurosurgery, Neuroradiology, Vascular Surgery. Used for evaluation of spinal vascular malformations, arteriovenous fistulas, and spinal cord ischemia. Provides non-invasive assessment of spinal vasculature.
When is CPT 72159 used?
Used for evaluation of spinal vascular malformations, arteriovenous fistulas, and spinal cord ischemia. Provides non-invasive assessment of spinal vasculature.
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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.