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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 72149 Fee Schedule
Last Verified: September 2026
Healthcare providers use this code to document and receive reimbursement for visits that address moderate-level medical decision-making, often including multiple diagnoses or prescription management.
Mri Inner Spine (Canal), An Mri (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Of The Interior Of The Lower Spine (Spinal Canal). A Contrast Agent May Be Given To Enhance The Images.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Radiology Procedures Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) Procedures |
| Common Place of Service | 22 - On Campus Outpatient Hospital 11 - Office |
| Common Modifiers | None 26 - Professional component TC - Technical component |
| Complexity Level | Moderate |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | View Medicare rates for 72149 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | View Medicaid rates for 72149 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 72149 by major payers:
$372.13
$467.38
$513.66
$521.27
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CPT 72149
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Chu Chen
Merrimack Valley Pediatric Associates, Inc.
$803.18Published rateChu Chen
Merrimack Valley Pediatric Associates, Inc.
$586.85Published rateCharles Seal
Town Center Orthopaedic Associates, P.C.
$302.96Published rateChristopher Raio
Good Samaritan Hosptial Medical Center
$167.95Published rateChristopher Raio
St Francis Hospital
$69.69Published rate
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 72149 vs. Other Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) Procedures Codes
The CPT 72149 code is part of the Radiology Procedures services used for Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) Procedures. It represents a moderate-complexity encounter and is one of several codes that vary based on time spent, level of medical decision-making, and documentation requirements.
The CPT 72149 code involves more provider time and moderate medical decision-making, unlike lower-level codes that require less time and simpler assessments. It typically includes multiple diagnoses, medication management, or test interpretation, leading to higher reimbursement and more detailed documentation requirements.
| Code | Complexity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 72131-CPT | Low | Ct Scan Of Lower Spine, Ct (Computed Tomography) Of Spine (Low Back). The Scanner Circles The Body Taking X-Rays And Assembles Them Into A 3-D Image. Dye May Be Injected To Make The Area Easier To See. |
| 72148-CPT | Moderate | Mri Inner Spine (Canal), An Mri (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Of The Interior Of The Lower Spine (Spinal Canal). A Contrast Agent May Be Given To Enhance The Images. |
| 72149-CPT | Moderate | Mri Inner Spine (Canal), An Mri (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Of The Interior Of The Lower Spine (Spinal Canal). A Contrast Agent May Be Given To Enhance The Images. |
| 72158-CPT | Moderate | Mri Lumbar Spine W O W Dye, Magnetic Resonance Eg Proton Imaging Spinal Canal And Contents Without Contrast Material Followed By Contrast Material S And Further Sequences Lumbar |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 72149. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 72149 fee schedule helps patients estimate costs and providers optimize billing for accurate reimbursements.
Factors that affect fee schedules
Medicare & Medicaid Rates
Government-set reimbursement amounts
Private Insurance Rates
Negotiated rates between providers and insurance companies
Geographic Location
Costs may be higher in urban areas.
Provider Type
Hospital providers may have different rates than private practice.
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