72220 X-ray examination sacrum tailbone
Also known as: Sacrum and coccyx X-ray, Sacrococcygeal X-ray, Tailbone X-ray
Plain radiographic examination of the sacrum and coccyx to visualize the sacrococcygeal region for trauma, degenerative disease, and anatomic variations.
In Plain Language
X-ray of the lower spine and tailbone; Tailbone imaging
Clinical Context
Evaluates coccygeal pain, sacral fractures, sacrococcygeal fusion assessment, and lumbosacral junction pathology. Common in patients with coccydynia.
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 72220?
CPT 72220 (X-ray examination sacrum tailbone) is a Radiology code. Plain radiographic examination of the sacrum and coccyx to visualize the sacrococcygeal region for trauma, degenerative disease, and anatomic variations.
Who uses CPT code 72220?
CPT 72220 is used by Radiology, Orthopedics, Colorectal Surgery. Evaluates coccygeal pain, sacral fractures, sacrococcygeal fusion assessment, and lumbosacral junction pathology. Common in patients with coccydynia.
When is CPT 72220 used?
Evaluates coccygeal pain, sacral fractures, sacrococcygeal fusion assessment, and lumbosacral junction pathology. Common in patients with coccydynia.
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.