CPT 72052
Global XXX ActiveX-ray exam neck spine 6/>vws
CPT 72052 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 72052 (X-ray exam neck spine 6/>vws) is classified under Radiology with a global period indicator of XXX. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 0.29, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 1.56, and a malpractice RVU of 0.03, a total non-facility RVU of 1.88 and facility RVU of 1.88. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $65.12, though rates vary from $54.96 to $86.42 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 72052, ensure documentation supports medical necessity and the specific components required for the code's level of service. For E/M codes, document MDM (medical decision-making) elements: problems addressed, data reviewed, and risk. For procedural codes, document the indication, technique, and any complications. Always verify NCCI edits before bundling 72052 with related codes; this code has 10 PTP bundling relationships on file (see table below).
Payment Status & Global Period
Active code (paid under MPFS)
No global period (E/M and other non-procedural services)
MUE Limit (Medically Unlikely Edits)
Submitting more than 1 units of 72052 for the same patient on the same date triggers automatic line denial unless an appropriate modifier and supporting documentation justify the higher quantity.
RVU Breakdown, CPT 72052
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 0.29 | 0.29 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 1.56 | 1.56 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.03 | 0.03 |
| Total RVU | 1.88 | 1.88 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 72052
State-level averages across all MAC localities. Non-facility rates typically apply to office-based services; facility rates apply to hospital outpatient / inpatient.
| State | Non-Facility | Facility | Range (Non-Fac) | Localities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $72.23 | $72.23 | $67.5 - $86.42 | 29 |
| Florida | $63.92 | $63.92 | $61.01 - $66.46 | 3 |
| Georgia | $60.61 | $60.61 | $57.36 - $63.86 | 2 |
| Illinois | $61.98 | $61.98 | $58.82 - $65.04 | 4 |
| Michigan | $60.03 | $60.03 | $58.39 - $61.66 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $58.94 | $58.94 | $58.94 - $58.94 | 1 |
| New York | $69.64 | $69.64 | $59.89 - $74.12 | 5 |
| Ohio | $58.27 | $58.27 | $58.27 - $58.27 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $61.89 | $61.89 | $58.47 - $65.3 | 2 |
| Texas | $61.97 | $61.97 | $58.03 - $65.72 | 8 |
Source: CMS PFSRVU 2026 · Updated 2026-04-01. Full locality-level detail available for all 53 states, contact us for custom reports.
NCCI Bundling Edits, CPT 72052
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 72052 on the same date of service, review the modifier indicator and payer policy before submission.
| Partner Code | Relationship | Modifier Allowed | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36591 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 36592 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 72010 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Mutually exclusive procedures |
| 72020 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | HCPCS/CPT procedure code definition |
| 72040 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | HCPCS/CPT procedure code definition |
| 72050 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | HCPCS/CPT procedure code definition |
| 96523 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 72010 | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | HCPCS/CPT procedure code definition |
| 72020 | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | 9 | HCPCS/CPT procedure code definition |
| 72081 | Column 2 (secondary), bundled into primary | Yes | HCPCS/CPT procedure code definition |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 72052
What does CPT code 72052 mean? +
CPT code 72052 represents: X-ray exam neck spine 6/>vws. It's in the Radiology category with a global period of XXX.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 72052? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 72052 is $65.12. Rates range from $54.96 to $86.42 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 72052? +
Radiology codes rely heavily on the professional/technical split: modifier 26 (professional component only) and TC (technical component only). Also common: 50 (bilateral imaging), 76 (repeat by same physician), 77 (repeat by different physician), and LT/RT for laterality.
What bundling edits apply to CPT 72052? +
This code has 10 NCCI PTP bundling relationships. See the NCCI Bundling section below for full list.
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on June 2, 2026.
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