72170 X-ray examination of pelvis
Also known as: pelvic X-ray, pelvis radiograph, hip film
Radiography of the pelvis showing hip joint articulations, pelvic bones, and sacroiliac joints. Simple frontal view.
In Plain Language
hip and pelvic bone X-ray; pelvic area picture
Clinical Context
Used for evaluation of hip osteoarthritis, pelvic trauma, sacroiliac joint disease, and general pelvic pathology. Simple frontal view provides basic assessment.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.17 |
| Total RVU | 0.17 |
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 0.17, this code ranks in the 6th percentile among Radiology codes — 4.8x below the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 72170?
CPT 72170 (X-ray examination of pelvis) is a Radiology code. Radiography of the pelvis showing hip joint articulations, pelvic bones, and sacroiliac joints. Simple frontal view.
Who uses CPT code 72170?
CPT 72170 is used by Orthopedic Surgery, Radiology, Emergency Medicine. Used for evaluation of hip osteoarthritis, pelvic trauma, sacroiliac joint disease, and general pelvic pathology. Simple frontal view provides basic assessment.
When is CPT 72170 used?
Used for evaluation of hip osteoarthritis, pelvic trauma, sacroiliac joint disease, and general pelvic pathology. Simple frontal view provides basic assessment.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against national data — all in one app.
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.