72240 Myelography neck spine
Also known as: Cervical myelography, C-spine myelography, Neck myelogram
Myelographic examination of the cervical spine using contrast injection into the subarachnoid space followed by radiographic imaging to visualize neural structures and detect compression.
In Plain Language
X-ray of neck spine with dye in spinal fluid; Spinal cord imaging with contrast
Clinical Context
Evaluates cervical myelopathy, nerve root compression, spinal cord pathology, and syrinx. Increasingly replaced by MRI but still valuable when MRI is contraindicated.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.89 |
| Total RVU | 0.89 |
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 0.89, this code ranks in the 54th percentile among Radiology codes — 1.1x the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 72240?
CPT 72240 (Myelography neck spine) is a Radiology code. Myelographic examination of the cervical spine using contrast injection into the subarachnoid space followed by radiographic imaging to visualize neural structures and detect compression.
Who uses CPT code 72240?
CPT 72240 is used by Radiology, Neurosurgery, Neurology. Evaluates cervical myelopathy, nerve root compression, spinal cord pathology, and syrinx. Increasingly replaced by MRI but still valuable when MRI is contraindicated.
When is CPT 72240 used?
Evaluates cervical myelopathy, nerve root compression, spinal cord pathology, and syrinx. Increasingly replaced by MRI but still valuable when MRI is contraindicated.
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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.