CPT code 72050: Neck spine X-ray, cervical spine, 4–5 views2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Colorado
Reports cervical spine radiographs when four or five views are obtained to evaluate neck pain, alignment, or suspected bony changes.
In Colorado, Medicare pays $57.90 for 72050 in the office.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 72050 nationwide
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
On this page 11 sections
What 72050 covers
This service uses X-rays to image the cervical spine in four or five views. A radiologic technologist typically obtains the projections in an office imaging suite, outpatient radiology department, or hospital, and a physician—often a radiologist—interprets the images. Clinicians may request this examination when assessing neck pain, suspected degenerative changes, or cervical alignment. The views provide more coverage than a limited two- or three-view cervical study.
Select the code based on the cervical region and the number of views actually obtained; the report should support both. Billing without a modifier represents the global service, including the imaging equipment and staff as well as the interpretation. When those portions are billed separately, modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation and modifier TC identifies the technical service. The CMS fee schedule separately prices these modifiers.
This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.
How Colorado compares for 72050
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 72050 runs from $48.22 in Arkansas to $75.68 in San Benito County, CA. Colorado pays $57.90. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Colorado · this page$57.90
- Los Angeles, CA · California$63.44+$5.54
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$63.78+$5.88
- Miami, FL · Florida$58.51+$0.61
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$56.70−$1.20
- Manhattan, NY · New York$63.61+$5.71
- Alaska · Alaska$61.96+$4.06
Other areas in Colorado first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $49.00 | — |
| ArkansasArkansas | $48.22 | — |
| ArizonaArizona | $53.56 | — |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $59.25 | — |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $59.15 | — |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $59.16 | — |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $59.15 | — |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $59.15 | — |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $59.15 | — |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $59.15 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $59.15 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $69.61 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $63.24 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $59.15 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $59.15 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $59.48 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $62.36 | — |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $62.14 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $63.82 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $74.02 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $73.98 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $75.68 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $75.54 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $61.11 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $64.60 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $62.43 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $65.26 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $59.15 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $69.56 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $59.15 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $59.15 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $58.99 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $54.51 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $56.51 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $53.62 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $56.07 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $50.40 | — |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $60.91 | — |
| IowaIowa | $50.65 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $50.95 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $52.49 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $51.72 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $57.17 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $51.28 | — |
| KansasKansas | $50.25 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $49.98 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $52.57 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $49.85 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $64.17 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $57.45 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $58.80 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $55.66 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $51.10 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $54.33 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $54.21 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $51.29 | — |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $55.72 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $52.32 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $52.93 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $48.82 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $48.54 | — |
| MontanaMontana | $55.11 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $51.71 | — |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $54.52 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $50.99 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $56.85 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $62.99 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $59.74 | — |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $51.54 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $54.99 | — |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $65.11 | — |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $60.03 | — |
| Queens, NYNew York | $64.38 | — |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $52.54 | — |
| OhioOhio | $51.17 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $50.03 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $60.04 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $54.63 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $57.32 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $51.33 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $55.60 | — |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $56.67 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $51.51 | — |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $54.45 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $50.51 | — |
| Austin, TXTexas | $57.65 | — |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $50.95 | — |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $54.55 | — |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $54.87 | — |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $54.42 | — |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $54.69 | — |
| Houston, TXTexas | $55.24 | — |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $52.70 | — |
| UtahUtah | $52.28 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $54.04 | — |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $55.60 | — |
| VermontVermont | $54.16 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $57.39 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $65.67 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $52.51 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $49.59 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $54.85 | — |
72050 rates by state
Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.
Explore a state
Local rates. Clear comparisons.
Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.
$48.22
$67.42
Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.
View every state and territory as a table
| State / territory | Office rate range | Localities |
|---|---|---|
| AK | $61.96 | 1 |
| AL | $49.00 | 1 |
| AR | $48.22 | 1 |
| AZ | $53.56 | 1 |
| CA | $59.15–$75.68 | 29 |
| CO | $57.90 | 1 |
| CT | $58.99 | 1 |
| DC | $63.78 | 1 |
| DE | $54.51 | 1 |
| FL | $53.62–$58.51 | 3 |
| GA | $50.40–$56.07 | 2 |
| GU | $60.91 | 1 |
| HI | $60.91 | 1 |
| IA | $50.65 | 1 |
| ID | $50.95 | 1 |
| IL | $51.72–$57.17 | 4 |
| IN | $51.28 | 1 |
| KS | $50.25 | 1 |
| KY | $49.98 | 1 |
| LA | $49.85–$52.57 | 2 |
| MA | $57.45–$64.17 | 2 |
| MD | $55.66–$63.78 | 3 |
| ME | $51.10–$54.33 | 2 |
| MI | $51.29–$54.21 | 2 |
| MN | $55.72 | 1 |
| MO | $48.82–$52.93 | 3 |
| MS | $48.54 | 1 |
| MT | $55.11 | 1 |
| NC | $51.71 | 1 |
| ND | $54.52 | 1 |
| NE | $50.99 | 1 |
| NH | $56.85 | 1 |
| NJ | $59.74–$62.99 | 2 |
| NM | $51.54 | 1 |
| NV | $54.99 | 1 |
| NY | $52.54–$65.11 | 5 |
| OH | $51.17 | 1 |
| OK | $50.03 | 1 |
| OR | $54.63–$60.04 | 2 |
| PA | $51.33–$57.32 | 2 |
| PR | $55.60 | 1 |
| RI | $56.67 | 1 |
| SC | $51.51 | 1 |
| SD | $54.45 | 1 |
| TN | $50.51 | 1 |
| TX | $50.95–$57.65 | 8 |
| UT | $52.28 | 1 |
| VA | $54.04–$63.78 | 2 |
| VI | $55.60 | 1 |
| VT | $54.16 | 1 |
| WA | $57.39–$65.67 | 2 |
| WI | $52.51 | 1 |
| WV | $49.59 | 1 |
| WY | $54.85 | 1 |
How the 72050 rate is calculated
Each of 72050’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.
How the rate is built · 72050
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work0.26
0.26 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense1.36
1.36 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.03
0.03 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
1.6500
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$55.11
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Colorado inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
7,943
- Code
- 72050
- Physician work
- 0.26
- Practice expense
- 1.36
- Malpractice
- 0.03
GPCI2026.csv
37
- Locality
- Colorado
- Physician work
- 1.012
- Practice expense
- 1.064
- Malpractice
- 0.781
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 0.26 | × 1.012 | 0.2631 |
| Practice expense | 1.36 | × 1.064 | 1.4470 |
| Malpractice | 0.03 | × 0.781 | 0.0234 |
| Total RVUs | 1.7336 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Colorado$57.90
Office: (0.26 × 1.012 + 1.36 × 1.064 + 0.03 × 0.781) × $33.4009 = $57.90
Payment rules and modifiers for 72050
The CMS indicators that decide how 72050 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 72050
Neck spine X-ray, cervical spine, 4–5 views
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | XXX | The global surgery concept doesn’t apply. |
| Multiple procedures | 0 | No multiple-procedure reduction. |
| Bilateral (modifier 50) | 0 | The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply. |
| Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS) | 0 | Not paid without supporting documentation. |
| Co-surgeons (62) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Team surgery (66) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Professional/technical | 1 | Diagnostic test with separate professional (26) and technical (TC) components. |
What modifiers do to the payment
Modifier 26 · payment effect
With and without the modifier
72050 without 26 · national office
$55.11
Neck spine X-ray, cervical spine, 4–5 views
72050-26 · Professional component
$13.03
Pays only the interpretation and report.
How 72050 has changed in Colorado
72050 · Office / nonfacility
$57.90
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $3.26 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $54.64 to $57.90 (6.0%).
It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.
One bar per available release, ordered by effective date. Missing rates remain gaps. These comparisons hold the code, setting and locality identifiers constant; they do not isolate which policy or input caused a change.
What changed, release by release
January 1, 2026
RVU26A
$54.64changed to$57.90
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 0.27 changed to 0.26
- Practice expense RVU 1.33 changed to 1.36
- Malpractice RVU 0.02 changed to 0.03
- Work GPCI 1.008 changed to 1.012
- Practice expense GPCI 1.053 changed to 1.064
- Malpractice GPCI 0.827 changed to 0.781
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$55.88changed to$54.64
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 1.32 changed to 1.33
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$54.97changed to$55.88
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$56.35changed to$54.97
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 1.31 changed to 1.32
- Work GPCI 1.005 changed to 1.008
- Practice expense GPCI 1.050 changed to 1.053
- Malpractice GPCI 0.797 changed to 0.827
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$56.99changed to$56.35
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 1.30 changed to 1.31
- Work GPCI 1.001 changed to 1.005
- Practice expense GPCI 1.047 changed to 1.050
- Malpractice GPCI 0.767 changed to 0.797
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$55.63changed to$56.99
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 1.25 changed to 1.30
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$52.52changed to$55.63
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 1.13 changed to 1.25
- Work GPCI 1.000 changed to 1.001
- Practice expense GPCI 1.033 changed to 1.047
- Malpractice GPCI 0.905 changed to 0.767
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$51.92changed to$52.52
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Work RVU 0.31 changed to 0.27
- Practice expense RVU 1.08 changed to 1.13
- Malpractice RVU 0.03 changed to 0.02
- Practice expense GPCI 1.018 changed to 1.033
- Malpractice GPCI 1.042 changed to 0.905
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$46.73changed to$51.92
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 0.94 changed to 1.08
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$46.51changed to$46.73
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense GPCI 1.015 changed to 1.018
- Malpractice GPCI 1.066 changed to 1.042
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$45.57changed to$46.51
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Practice expense RVU 0.92 changed to 0.94
- Practice expense GPCI 1.011 changed to 1.015
- Malpractice GPCI 1.090 changed to 1.066
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$45.37changed to$45.57
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
- Practice expense RVU 0.91 changed to 0.92
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$45.15changed to$45.37
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$50.06changed to$45.15
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense RVU 1.04 changed to 0.91
- Malpractice RVU 0.04 changed to 0.03
- Practice expense GPCI 1.008 changed to 1.011
- Malpractice GPCI 0.981 changed to 1.090
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
$49.65changed to$50.06
- Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
- Practice expense RVU 1.11 changed to 1.04
- Practice expense GPCI 1.004 changed to 1.008
- Malpractice GPCI 0.872 changed to 0.981
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: $49.65
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $57.90 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $57.90 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $57.90 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $57.90 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $54.64 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $54.64 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $54.64 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $54.64 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $55.88 | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $55.88 | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $55.88 | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $55.88 | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $54.97 | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $56.35 | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $56.35 | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $56.35 | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $56.35 | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $56.99 | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $56.99 | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $56.99 | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $56.99 | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $55.63 | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $55.63 | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $55.63 | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $55.63 | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $52.52 | Not available in this setting | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $52.52 | Not available in this setting | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $52.52 | Not available in this setting | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $52.52 | Not available in this setting | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $51.92 | Not available in this setting | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $51.92 | Not available in this setting | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $51.92 | Not available in this setting | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $51.92 | Not available in this setting | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $46.73 | Not available in this setting | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $46.73 | Not available in this setting | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $46.73 | Not available in this setting | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $46.73 | Not available in this setting | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $46.51 | Not available in this setting | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $46.51 | Not available in this setting | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $46.51 | Not available in this setting | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $46.51 | Not available in this setting | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $45.57 | Not available in this setting | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $45.57 | Not available in this setting | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $45.57 | Not available in this setting | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $45.57 | Not available in this setting | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $45.37 | Not available in this setting | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $45.37 | Not available in this setting | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $45.15 | Not available in this setting | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $45.15 | Not available in this setting | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $50.06 | Not available in this setting | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $50.06 | Not available in this setting | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $50.06 | Not available in this setting | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $50.06 | Not available in this setting | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | $49.65 | Not available in this setting | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | $49.65 | Not available in this setting | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | $49.65 | Not available in this setting | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | $49.65 | Not available in this setting | RVU13AR |
Where the Colorado rate applies
Colorado is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 485 cities and communities in Colorado. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Acres Green
- Aetna Estates
- Aguilar
- Air Force Academy
- Akron
- Alamosa
- Alamosa East
- Allenspark
72050 billing questions
When should 72050 be chosen instead of 72040?
Use 72050 when four or five cervical spine views are obtained. Use 72040 for a cervical study with two or three views.
Does four views versus five views change the code?
No. Both four- and five-view cervical spine examinations fall within 72050; the documentation should show the views obtained.
How are the interpretation and imaging service billed?
Billing without a modifier represents the global service. Modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation, while modifier TC identifies the technical service.
Can the professional and technical portions be billed separately?
Yes. The professional component and technical component may be reported separately with modifiers 26 and TC, respectively, when each portion is furnished and billed separately.
What documentation supports 72050?
The imaging record should identify the cervical spine examination and establish that four or five views were obtained. The interpretation should document the physician's findings.
Where these rates come from
FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.
CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027
Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
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