CPT code 72100: Lumbar spine X-ray, two or three views2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in New Mexico
Plain-film radiographic exam of the lumbosacral spine with two or three views, typically AP and lateral, for low back pain, trauma, or postoperative checks.
In New Mexico, Medicare pays $37.83 for 72100 in the office.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 72100 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 72100 covers
This study images the lumbar vertebrae and lumbosacral junction with two or three plain radiographic views. A common set is an AP and a lateral, sometimes with a coned-down lateral spot of L5-S1 as the third view. Primary care, orthopedic, spine, emergency, and pain management clinicians may order it for back pain, suspected fracture, spondylolisthesis, degenerative change, or hardware position after fusion. A radiologic technologist acquires the images in an office, imaging center, emergency department, or hospital outpatient department; a radiologist or treating physician interprets them.
Code selection depends on the views actually obtained. A standard series with four or more views is reported with 72110; a complete study including bending views requires at least six views for 72114, while bending views alone are reported with 72120. Modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation and signed report; modifier TC identifies the equipment, supplies, and technologist portion. When the same billing entity provides both portions, it reports the global service without either modifier. For hospital films, the reading physician typically reports modifier 26, while the hospital bills for image acquisition. The report should identify the views and findings.
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 New Mexico compares for 72100
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 72100 runs from $35.48 in Arkansas to $55.34 in San Benito County, CA. New Mexico pays $37.83. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- New Mexico · this page$37.83
- Los Angeles, CA · California$46.47+$8.64
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$46.70+$8.87
- Miami, FL · Florida$42.78+$4.95
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$41.49+$3.66
- Manhattan, NY · New York$46.56+$8.73
- Alaska · Alaska$45.75+$7.92
Other areas in New Mexico first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $36.03 | — |
| ArkansasArkansas | $35.48 | — |
| ArizonaArizona | $39.30 | — |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $43.43 | — |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $43.37 | — |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $43.37 | — |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $43.37 | — |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $43.37 | — |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $43.37 | — |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $43.37 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $43.37 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $50.94 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $46.32 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $43.37 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $43.37 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $43.59 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $45.69 | — |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $45.53 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $46.74 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $54.14 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $54.12 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $55.34 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $55.25 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $44.77 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $47.29 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $45.74 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $47.78 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $43.37 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $50.90 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $43.37 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $43.37 | — |
| ColoradoColorado | $42.45 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $43.22 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $39.99 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $41.38 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $39.31 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $41.09 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $37.01 | — |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $44.62 | — |
| IowaIowa | $37.23 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $37.44 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $38.47 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $37.94 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $41.86 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $37.68 | — |
| KansasKansas | $36.94 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $36.72 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $38.57 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $36.62 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $46.98 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $42.13 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $43.08 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $40.82 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $37.54 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $39.87 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $39.73 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $37.65 | — |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $40.89 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $38.40 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $38.85 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $35.88 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $35.69 | — |
| MontanaMontana | $40.41 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $37.98 | — |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $40.02 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $37.48 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $41.67 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $46.14 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $43.77 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $40.34 | — |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $47.62 | — |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $43.98 | — |
| Queens, NYNew York | $47.12 | — |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $38.58 | — |
| OhioOhio | $37.57 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $36.76 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $43.99 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $40.09 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $42.01 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $37.69 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $40.77 | — |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $41.56 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $37.83 | — |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $39.97 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $37.13 | — |
| Austin, TXTexas | $42.25 | — |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $37.42 | — |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $40.03 | — |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $40.25 | — |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $39.93 | — |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $40.13 | — |
| Houston, TXTexas | $40.49 | — |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $38.68 | — |
| UtahUtah | $38.38 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $39.66 | — |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $40.77 | — |
| VermontVermont | $39.76 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $42.08 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $48.07 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $38.58 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $36.41 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $40.24 | — |
72100 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.
$35.48
$49.36
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 | $45.75 | 1 |
| AL | $36.03 | 1 |
| AR | $35.48 | 1 |
| AZ | $39.30 | 1 |
| CA | $43.37–$55.34 | 29 |
| CO | $42.45 | 1 |
| CT | $43.22 | 1 |
| DC | $46.70 | 1 |
| DE | $39.99 | 1 |
| FL | $39.31–$42.78 | 3 |
| GA | $37.01–$41.09 | 2 |
| GU | $44.62 | 1 |
| HI | $44.62 | 1 |
| IA | $37.23 | 1 |
| ID | $37.44 | 1 |
| IL | $37.94–$41.86 | 4 |
| IN | $37.68 | 1 |
| KS | $36.94 | 1 |
| KY | $36.72 | 1 |
| LA | $36.62–$38.57 | 2 |
| MA | $42.13–$46.98 | 2 |
| MD | $40.82–$46.70 | 3 |
| ME | $37.54–$39.87 | 2 |
| MI | $37.65–$39.73 | 2 |
| MN | $40.89 | 1 |
| MO | $35.88–$38.85 | 3 |
| MS | $35.69 | 1 |
| MT | $40.41 | 1 |
| NC | $37.98 | 1 |
| ND | $40.02 | 1 |
| NE | $37.48 | 1 |
| NH | $41.67 | 1 |
| NJ | $43.77–$46.14 | 2 |
| NM | $37.83 | 1 |
| NV | $40.34 | 1 |
| NY | $38.58–$47.62 | 5 |
| OH | $37.57 | 1 |
| OK | $36.76 | 1 |
| OR | $40.09–$43.99 | 2 |
| PA | $37.69–$42.01 | 2 |
| PR | $40.77 | 1 |
| RI | $41.56 | 1 |
| SC | $37.83 | 1 |
| SD | $39.97 | 1 |
| TN | $37.13 | 1 |
| TX | $37.42–$42.25 | 8 |
| UT | $38.38 | 1 |
| VA | $39.66–$46.70 | 2 |
| VI | $40.77 | 1 |
| VT | $39.76 | 1 |
| WA | $42.08–$48.07 | 2 |
| WI | $38.58 | 1 |
| WV | $36.41 | 1 |
| WY | $40.24 | 1 |
How the 72100 rate is calculated
Each of 72100’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 · 72100
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work0.21
0.21 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense0.98
0.98 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.02
0.02 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
1.2100
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$40.42
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact New Mexico inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
7,973
- Code
- 72100
- Physician work
- 0.21
- Practice expense
- 0.98
- Malpractice
- 0.02
GPCI2026.csv
77
- Locality
- New Mexico
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 0.917
- Malpractice
- 1.201
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 0.21 | × 1.000 | 0.2100 |
| Practice expense | 0.98 | × 0.917 | 0.8987 |
| Malpractice | 0.02 | × 1.201 | 0.0240 |
| Total RVUs | 1.1327 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, New Mexico$37.83
Office: (0.21 × 1 + 0.98 × 0.917 + 0.02 × 1.201) × $33.4009 = $37.83
Payment rules and modifiers for 72100
The CMS indicators that decide how 72100 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 72100
Lumbar spine X-ray, two or three 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
72100 without 26 · national office
$40.42
Lumbar spine X-ray, two or three views
72100-26 · Professional component
$10.69
Pays only the interpretation and report.
How 72100 has changed in New Mexico
72100 · Office / nonfacility
$37.83
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $2.05 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $35.78 to $37.83 (5.7%).
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
$35.78changed to$37.83
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 0.22 changed to 0.21
- Practice expense RVU 0.95 changed to 0.98
- Practice expense GPCI 0.908 changed to 0.917
- Malpractice GPCI 1.172 changed to 1.201
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$37.12changed to$35.78
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 0.96 changed to 0.95
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$36.51changed to$37.12
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$37.59changed to$36.51
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense GPCI 0.902 changed to 0.908
- Malpractice GPCI 1.169 changed to 1.172
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$37.88changed to$37.59
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 0.95 changed to 0.96
- Practice expense GPCI 0.896 changed to 0.902
- Malpractice GPCI 1.166 changed to 1.169
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$37.25changed to$37.88
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 0.92 changed to 0.95
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$36.01changed to$37.25
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 0.83 changed to 0.92
- Practice expense GPCI 0.908 changed to 0.896
- Malpractice GPCI 1.207 changed to 1.166
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$35.05changed to$36.01
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 0.79 changed to 0.83
- Practice expense GPCI 0.921 changed to 0.908
- Malpractice GPCI 1.247 changed to 1.207
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$33.68changed to$35.05
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 0.75 changed to 0.79
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$33.52changed to$33.68
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense GPCI 0.920 changed to 0.921
- Malpractice GPCI 1.204 changed to 1.247
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$33.06changed to$33.52
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Practice expense RVU 0.74 changed to 0.75
- Practice expense GPCI 0.919 changed to 0.920
- Malpractice GPCI 1.161 changed to 1.204
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$33.26changed to$33.06
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
- Practice expense RVU 0.73 changed to 0.74
- Malpractice RVU 0.03 changed to 0.02
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$33.10changed to$33.26
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$34.75changed to$33.10
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense RVU 0.77 changed to 0.73
- Malpractice RVU 0.04 changed to 0.03
- Practice expense GPCI 0.918 changed to 0.919
- Malpractice GPCI 1.079 changed to 1.161
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
$34.71changed to$34.75
- Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
- Practice expense RVU 0.83 changed to 0.77
- Practice expense GPCI 0.916 changed to 0.918
- Malpractice GPCI 0.997 changed to 1.079
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: $34.71
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $37.83 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $37.83 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $37.83 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $37.83 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $35.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $35.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $35.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $35.78 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $37.12 | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $37.12 | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $37.12 | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $37.12 | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $36.51 | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $37.59 | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $37.59 | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $37.59 | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $37.59 | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $37.88 | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $37.88 | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $37.88 | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $37.88 | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $37.25 | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $37.25 | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $37.25 | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $37.25 | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $36.01 | Not available in this setting | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $36.01 | Not available in this setting | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $36.01 | Not available in this setting | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $36.01 | Not available in this setting | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $35.05 | Not available in this setting | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $35.05 | Not available in this setting | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $35.05 | Not available in this setting | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $35.05 | Not available in this setting | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $33.68 | Not available in this setting | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $33.68 | Not available in this setting | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $33.68 | Not available in this setting | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $33.68 | Not available in this setting | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $33.52 | Not available in this setting | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $33.52 | Not available in this setting | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $33.52 | Not available in this setting | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $33.52 | Not available in this setting | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $33.06 | Not available in this setting | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $33.06 | Not available in this setting | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $33.06 | Not available in this setting | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $33.06 | Not available in this setting | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $33.26 | Not available in this setting | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $33.26 | Not available in this setting | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $33.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $33.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $34.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $34.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $34.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $34.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | $34.71 | Not available in this setting | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | $34.71 | Not available in this setting | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | $34.71 | Not available in this setting | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | $34.71 | Not available in this setting | RVU13AR |
Where the New Mexico rate applies
New Mexico is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 528 cities and communities in New Mexico. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Abeytas
- Abiquiu
- Acomita Lake
- Adelino
- Agua Fria
- Alamillo
- Alamo
- Alamogordo
72100 billing questions
When do lumbar spine films move from 72100 to 72110?
72100 covers two or three views. For a standard series with four or more views, such as AP, lateral, and both obliques, report 72110; a complete bending study with at least six views is reported with 72114.
Do AP and lateral views plus flexion and extension qualify for 72114?
Not by themselves. 72114 requires a complete study including bending views with at least six views total; 72120 describes two or three bending views taken alone.
Which modifier does a radiologist reading hospital films use?
The radiologist appends modifier 26 for the interpretation and report, while the hospital bills for image acquisition. An office that provides both the imaging and interpretation bills the global service without a component modifier.
Does a coned-down L5-S1 spot film count as a separate view?
Yes. A distinct spot lateral of the lumbosacral junction counts toward the view total, so AP, lateral, and spot lateral make a three-view study under 72100.
Can the treating physician bill an interpretation if the radiologist also reads the films?
A brief review of the images by the ordering physician does not support a separate modifier 26 claim. A separately reported interpretation requires its own medically necessary, signed written report.
What documentation supports 72100?
The record should include the clinical indication, images, and a signed written report identifying the two or three views obtained, findings, and impression.
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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