CPT 72142
Global XXX ActiveMri neck spine w/dye
CPT 72142 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 72142 (Mri neck spine w/dye) is classified under Radiology with a global period indicator of XXX. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 1.74, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 6.32, and a malpractice RVU of 0.14, a total non-facility RVU of 8.2 and facility RVU of 8.2. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $283.61, though rates vary from $241.86 to $371.41 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 72142, 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 72142 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 72142 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 72142
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 1.74 | 1.74 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 6.32 | 6.32 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.14 | 0.14 |
| Total RVU | 8.2 | 8.2 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 72142
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 | $312.52 | $312.52 | $292.97 - $371.41 | 29 |
| Florida | $279.02 | $279.02 | $266.95 - $289.69 | 3 |
| Georgia | $265.19 | $265.19 | $251.99 - $278.38 | 2 |
| Illinois | $271.23 | $271.23 | $258.15 - $283.6 | 4 |
| Michigan | $262.92 | $262.92 | $256.13 - $269.71 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $258.06 | $258.06 | $258.06 - $258.06 | 1 |
| New York | $302.72 | $302.72 | $261.94 - $321.51 | 5 |
| Ohio | $255.56 | $255.56 | $255.56 - $255.56 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $270.41 | $270.41 | $256.32 - $284.49 | 2 |
| Texas | $270.6 | $270.6 | $254.56 - $285.71 | 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 72142
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 72142 on the same date of service, review the modifier indicator and payer policy before submission.
| Partner Code | Relationship | Modifier Allowed | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01922 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Anesthesia service included in surgical procedure |
| 0609T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 0610T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 0611T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 0612T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction |
| 0708T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0709T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 36000 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 36005 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 36011 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 72142
What does CPT code 72142 mean? +
CPT code 72142 represents: Mri neck spine w/dye. It's in the Radiology category with a global period of XXX.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 72142? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 72142 is $283.61. Rates range from $241.86 to $371.41 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 72142? +
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 72142? +
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 1, 2026.
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