CPT code 72131: Lumbar CT, without contrast2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Montana
Reports CT imaging of the lumbar spine without contrast, commonly selected to assess vertebral fractures, bony anatomy, or spinal hardware.
In Montana, Medicare pays $129.92 for 72131 in the office.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 72131 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 72131 covers
This service uses computed tomography to produce cross-sectional images of the lumbar spine without administered contrast. It is commonly used to evaluate suspected vertebral fracture, define bony anatomy, or assess spinal instrumentation. A technologist performs the scan in a hospital or outpatient imaging center, and a radiologist or other qualified physician interprets the images. The clinical order and report should identify the lumbar region and the diagnostic question addressed.
Choose this code when the documented examination is a lumbar spine CT without contrast; use a contrast-specific code when the protocol includes contrast. The global service includes image acquisition and interpretation. Modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation, while modifier TC identifies the technical service, including equipment and staff. CMS applies the diagnostic imaging multiple procedure reduction to both the technical and professional components when applicable. Documentation should support the body region, contrast protocol, and interpretation.
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 Montana compares for 72131
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 72131 runs from $115.42 in Arkansas to $174.37 in San Benito County, CA. Montana pays $129.92. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Montana · this page$129.92
- Los Angeles, CA · California$147.85+$17.93
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$148.85+$18.93
- Miami, FL · Florida$137.39+$7.47
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$133.66+$3.74
- Manhattan, NY · New York$148.76+$18.84
- Alaska · Alaska$151.41+$21.49
Other areas in Montana first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $117.06 | — |
| ArkansasArkansas | $115.42 | — |
| ArizonaArizona | $126.65 | — |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $138.74 | — |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $138.51 | — |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $138.52 | — |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $138.51 | — |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $138.51 | — |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $138.51 | — |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $138.51 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $138.51 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $161.01 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $147.23 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $138.51 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $138.51 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $139.28 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $145.48 | — |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $144.94 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $148.43 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $170.67 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $170.59 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $174.37 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $174.05 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $142.59 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $149.93 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $145.51 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $151.45 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $138.51 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $160.89 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $138.51 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $138.51 | — |
| ColoradoColorado | $135.88 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $138.38 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $128.72 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $133.05 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $126.93 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $132.02 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $120.13 | — |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $141.94 | — |
| IowaIowa | $120.46 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $121.11 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $124.71 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $122.99 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $134.52 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $121.80 | — |
| KansasKansas | $119.66 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $119.20 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $124.65 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $118.92 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $149.42 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $135.01 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $137.93 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $131.20 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $121.46 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $128.21 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $128.21 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $121.98 | — |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $131.03 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $124.09 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $125.38 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $116.78 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $116.13 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $122.73 | — |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $128.54 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $121.17 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $133.53 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $147.33 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $140.19 | — |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $122.53 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $129.63 | — |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $151.96 | — |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $140.91 | — |
| Queens, NYNew York | $150.32 | — |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $124.49 | — |
| OhioOhio | $121.70 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $119.26 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $140.38 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $128.86 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $134.86 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $122.02 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $130.94 | — |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $133.43 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $122.37 | — |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $128.38 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $120.21 | — |
| Austin, TXTexas | $135.23 | — |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $121.23 | — |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $128.82 | — |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $129.51 | — |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $128.59 | — |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $129.13 | — |
| Houston, TXTexas | $130.41 | — |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $124.86 | — |
| UtahUtah | $124.00 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $127.63 | — |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $130.94 | — |
| VermontVermont | $127.83 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $134.82 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $152.67 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $124.33 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $118.51 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $129.32 | — |
72131 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.
$115.42
$156.44
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 | $151.41 | 1 |
| AL | $117.06 | 1 |
| AR | $115.42 | 1 |
| AZ | $126.65 | 1 |
| CA | $138.51–$174.37 | 29 |
| CO | $135.88 | 1 |
| CT | $138.38 | 1 |
| DC | $148.85 | 1 |
| DE | $128.72 | 1 |
| FL | $126.93–$137.39 | 3 |
| GA | $120.13–$132.02 | 2 |
| GU | $141.94 | 1 |
| HI | $141.94 | 1 |
| IA | $120.46 | 1 |
| ID | $121.11 | 1 |
| IL | $122.99–$134.52 | 4 |
| IN | $121.80 | 1 |
| KS | $119.66 | 1 |
| KY | $119.20 | 1 |
| LA | $118.92–$124.65 | 2 |
| MA | $135.01–$149.42 | 2 |
| MD | $131.20–$148.85 | 3 |
| ME | $121.46–$128.21 | 2 |
| MI | $121.98–$128.21 | 2 |
| MN | $131.03 | 1 |
| MO | $116.78–$125.38 | 3 |
| MS | $116.13 | 1 |
| MT | $129.92 | 1 |
| NC | $122.73 | 1 |
| ND | $128.54 | 1 |
| NE | $121.17 | 1 |
| NH | $133.53 | 1 |
| NJ | $140.19–$147.33 | 2 |
| NM | $122.53 | 1 |
| NV | $129.63 | 1 |
| NY | $124.49–$151.96 | 5 |
| OH | $121.70 | 1 |
| OK | $119.26 | 1 |
| OR | $128.86–$140.38 | 2 |
| PA | $122.02–$134.86 | 2 |
| PR | $130.94 | 1 |
| RI | $133.43 | 1 |
| SC | $122.37 | 1 |
| SD | $128.38 | 1 |
| TN | $120.21 | 1 |
| TX | $121.23–$135.23 | 8 |
| UT | $124.00 | 1 |
| VA | $127.63–$148.85 | 2 |
| VI | $130.94 | 1 |
| VT | $127.83 | 1 |
| WA | $134.82–$152.67 | 2 |
| WI | $124.33 | 1 |
| WV | $118.51 | 1 |
| WY | $129.32 | 1 |
How the 72131 rate is calculated
Each of 72131’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 · 72131
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work0.98
0.98 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense2.84
2.84 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.07
0.07 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
3.8900
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$129.93
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Montana inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
8,003
- Code
- 72131
- Physician work
- 0.98
- Practice expense
- 2.84
- Malpractice
- 0.07
GPCI2026.csv
71
- Locality
- Montana
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 1.000
- Malpractice
- 0.998
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 0.98 | × 1.000 | 0.9800 |
| Practice expense | 2.84 | × 1.000 | 2.8400 |
| Malpractice | 0.07 | × 0.998 | 0.0699 |
| Total RVUs | 3.8899 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Montana$129.92
Office: (0.98 × 1 + 2.84 × 1 + 0.07 × 0.998) × $33.4009 = $129.92
Payment rules and modifiers for 72131
The CMS indicators that decide how 72131 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 72131
Lumbar CT, without contrast
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | XXX | The global surgery concept doesn’t apply. |
| Multiple procedures | 4 | Diagnostic imaging reduction applies to the technical component (and professional component) of additional services. |
| 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
72131 without 26 · national office
$129.93
Lumbar CT, without contrast
72131-26 · Professional component
$46.43
Pays only the interpretation and report.
How 72131 has changed in Montana
72131 · Office / nonfacility
$129.92
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $2.51 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $127.41 to $129.92 (2.0%).
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
$127.41changed to$129.92
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 1.00 changed to 0.98
- Practice expense RVU 2.89 changed to 2.84
- Malpractice RVU 0.05 changed to 0.07
- Malpractice GPCI 0.978 changed to 0.998
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$132.11changed to$127.41
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 2.91 changed to 2.89
- Malpractice RVU 0.06 changed to 0.05
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$129.95changed to$132.11
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$135.51changed to$129.95
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 2.95 changed to 2.91
- Malpractice RVU 0.05 changed to 0.06
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$138.72changed to$135.51
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Malpractice RVU 0.06 changed to 0.05
- Malpractice GPCI 0.977 changed to 0.978
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$142.32changed to$138.72
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 3.02 changed to 2.95
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$158.01changed to$142.32
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 3.30 changed to 3.02
- Malpractice GPCI 1.304 changed to 0.977
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
No ratechanged to$158.01
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
$212.85changed toNo rate
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D, RVU15A, RVU15B, RVU15C, RVU15D, RVU16A, RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D, RVU17A, RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D, RVU18AR1, RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D, RVU19A, RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: $212.85
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $129.92 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $129.92 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $129.92 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $129.92 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $127.41 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $127.41 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $127.41 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $127.41 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $132.11 | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $132.11 | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $132.11 | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $132.11 | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $129.95 | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $135.51 | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $135.51 | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $135.51 | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $135.51 | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $138.72 | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $138.72 | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $138.72 | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $138.72 | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $142.32 | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $142.32 | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $142.32 | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $142.32 | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $158.01 | Not available in this setting | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $158.01 | Not available in this setting | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $158.01 | Not available in this setting | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $158.01 | Not available in this setting | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | Additional calculation required | Not available in this setting | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | $212.85 | Not available in this setting | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | $212.85 | Not available in this setting | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | $212.85 | Not available in this setting | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | $212.85 | Not available in this setting | RVU13AR |
Where the Montana rate applies
Montana is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 497 cities and communities in Montana. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Absarokee
- Acton
- Alberton
- Alder
- Alzada
- Amsterdam
- Anaconda-Deer Lodge County
- Antelope
72131 billing questions
When should this code be selected instead of 72132?
Use 72131 for a lumbar spine CT performed without contrast. Code 72132 is for the examination with contrast.
Can 72131 be reported with 72133 for the same examination?
72133 represents a lumbar CT performed without and with contrast. Select the code that matches the examination performed rather than reporting 72131 as an additional phase.
What do modifiers 26 and TC identify?
Modifier 26 identifies the physician's professional interpretation, and modifier TC identifies the technical service, including equipment and staff. Without either modifier, the claim represents the global service.
How does the multiple procedure reduction affect this service?
The diagnostic imaging multiple procedure reduction applies to both the technical and professional components. It can therefore affect the applicable component claims when multiple imaging procedures are performed.
What documentation supports reporting 72131?
The record should identify the lumbar spine as the imaged region, show that the examination was performed without contrast, and include the diagnostic interpretation.
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
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