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CPT code 72147: Thoracic MRI, with contrast only2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Washington, DC area

Report this MRI when the thoracic spine is imaged using contrast-enhanced sequences without a separate noncontrast imaging series.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality2.4K Medicare services in 2024

In Washington, DC area, Medicare pays $312.02 for 72147 in the office.

$312.02Office (non-facility)
Not available in this settingHospital or facility
+15.0%vs the national office rate ($271.22)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 72147 nationwide

Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.

We’ll open 72147 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in Washington, DC area
  2. What 72147 covers
  3. Compared with other areas
  4. Rate map
  5. How it’s calculated
  6. Payment rules
  7. Related codes
  8. Rate history
  9. Where it applies
  10. Billing questions
  11. Sources

What 72147 covers

This service is an MRI examination of the thoracic spine performed with contrast, commonly injected intravenously, to assess the vertebrae, spinal canal, and cord. A radiology technologist acquires the images, and a radiologist interprets them. It may be ordered to evaluate a suspected thoracic cord lesion, tumor, infection, or other abnormality for which contrast-enhanced images are requested.

Report 72147 when the documented examination includes contrast-enhanced thoracic spine imaging without a separate noncontrast series. If both noncontrast and contrast-enhanced sequences are performed, the corresponding combined code is 72157; an examination without contrast is 72146. Documentation should identify the thoracic region, contrast use, and the imaging performed. The service may be billed globally or split between the professional interpretation (modifier 26) and technical service (modifier TC). CMS applies the diagnostic imaging multiple procedure reduction to both professional and technical components when applicable.

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 Washington, DC area compares for 72147

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 72147 runs from $239.79 in Arkansas to $368.17 in San Benito County, CA. Washington, DC area pays $312.02. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

72147 in Washington, DC area vs other payment areas
  1. Washington, DC area · this page$312.02
  2. Los Angeles, CA · California$310.51−$1.51
  3. Miami, FL · Florida$285.92−$26.10
  4. Chicago, IL · Illinois$277.86−$34.16
  5. Manhattan, NY · New York$311.16−$0.86
  6. Alaska · Alaska$312.07+$0.05
  7. Alabama · Alabama$243.34−$68.68

Other areas in District of Columbia first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.

Every other payment area

72147 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
ArkansasArkansas$239.79—
ArizonaArizona$264.16—
Bakersfield, CACalifornia$290.82—
Chico, CACalifornia$290.42—
El Centro, CACalifornia$290.44—
Fresno, CACalifornia$290.42—
Hanford, CACalifornia$290.42—
Madera, CACalifornia$290.42—

72147 rates by state

Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.

MEWIVTNHMTNDMNMINYMARIWAIDWYSDIAILINOHPANJCTORNVUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDECAAZNMKSOKARTNNCSCDCTXLAMSALGAFLAKHI

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.

$239.79

$329.30

Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.

View every state and territory as a table
72147 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$312.071
AL$243.341
AR$239.791
AZ$264.161
CA$290.42–$368.1729
CO$284.421
CT$289.321
DC$312.021
DE$268.591
FL$264.03–$285.923
GA$249.40–$275.542
GU$298.171
HI$298.171
IA$251.031
ID$252.381
IL$255.28–$280.364
IN$253.891
KS$249.151
KY$247.671
LA$247.00–$259.422
MA$282.41–$313.722
MD$273.98–$312.023
ME$252.97–$267.852
MI$253.54–$266.652
MN$274.461
MO$242.26–$261.193
MS$241.111
MT$271.211
NC$255.761
ND$268.831
NE$252.621
NH$279.291
NJ$293.17–$308.602
NM$254.671
NV$270.761
NY$259.57–$317.895
OH$253.061
OK$247.951
OR$269.19–$294.332
PA$253.85–$281.612
PR$273.461
RI$278.791
SC$254.721
SD$268.551
TN$250.331
TX$252.11–$283.008
UT$258.261
VA$266.48–$312.022
VI$273.461
VT$267.141
WA$282.09–$320.852
WI$259.661
WV$245.551
WY$270.171

See 72147 in every payment locality

How the 72147 rate is calculated

Each of 72147’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 · 72147

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work1.74

1.74 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense6.26

6.26 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.12

0.12 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

8.1200

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$271.22

Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.

The exact Washington, DC area inputs and CMS source lines

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

8,021

Code
72147
Physician work
1.74
Practice expense
6.26
Malpractice
0.12

GPCI2026.csv

39

Locality
Washington, DC area
Physician work
1.054
Practice expense
1.178
Malpractice
1.113
Office calculation for 72147 in Washington, DC area
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work1.74× 1.0541.8340
Practice expense6.26× 1.1787.3743
Malpractice0.12× 1.1130.1336
Total RVUs9.3418
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, Washington, DC area$312.02

Office: (1.74 × 1.054 + 6.26 × 1.178 + 0.12 × 1.113) × $33.4009 = $312.02

Open 72147 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 72147

The CMS indicators that decide how 72147 is paid alongside other services.

CMS payment indicators · 72147

Thoracic MRI, with contrast only

RuleCMS valueWhat it means
Global periodXXXThe global surgery concept doesn’t apply.
Multiple procedures4Diagnostic imaging reduction applies to the technical component (and professional component) of additional services.
Bilateral (modifier 50)0The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply.
Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS)0Not paid without supporting documentation.
Co-surgeons (62)0Not permitted.
Team surgery (66)0Not permitted.
Professional/technical1Diagnostic test with separate professional (26) and technical (TC) components.

What modifiers do to the payment

Modifier 26 · payment effect

With and without the modifier

72147 without 26 · national office

$271.22

Thoracic MRI, with contrast only

72147-26 · Professional component

$82.17

Pays only the interpretation and report.

When to use modifier 26

Codes related to 72147

Related codes aren’t interchangeable: bill the code that matches the service performed.

Codes related to 72147
CodeHow it relatesOffice range, Washington, DC area
Same family
72146Spine MRI, thoracic, without contrastThoracic spine MRI without contrast.$218.09
72157Thoracic MRI, without and with contrastThoracic spine MRI performed both without and with contrast.$365.78
Used instead
72129Spine CT, thoracic, with contrastThoracic spine CT with contrast rather than MRI.$194.36
72128Spine CT, thoracic, no contrastThoracic spine CT without contrast rather than MRI.$149.24

How 72147 has changed in Washington, DC area

72147 · Office / nonfacility

$312.02

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $0.24 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $311.78 to $312.02 (0.1%).

It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.

Base rate by release · bars start at $0 · select a bar to compare

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

  1. January 1, 2026

    RVU26A

    $311.78changed to$312.02

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 1.78 changed to 1.74
    • Practice expense RVU 6.40 changed to 6.26
    • Malpractice RVU 0.11 changed to 0.12
    • Work GPCI 1.057 changed to 1.054
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.192 changed to 1.178
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.168 changed to 1.113

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $326.00changed to$311.78

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 6.52 changed to 6.40
    • Malpractice RVU 0.12 changed to 0.11

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $320.68changed to$326.00

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $341.87changed to$320.68

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 6.64 changed to 6.52
    • Work GPCI 1.056 changed to 1.057
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.214 changed to 1.192
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.231 changed to 1.168

  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $356.43changed to$341.87

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 6.70 changed to 6.64
    • Malpractice RVU 0.11 changed to 0.12
    • Work GPCI 1.054 changed to 1.056
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.236 changed to 1.214
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.294 changed to 1.231

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $374.91changed to$356.43

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 7.06 changed to 6.70

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $377.83changed to$374.91

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 6.93 changed to 7.06
    • Work GPCI 1.049 changed to 1.054
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.221 changed to 1.236
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.277 changed to 1.294

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    $379.95changed to$377.83

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 7.08 changed to 6.93
    • Malpractice RVU 0.12 changed to 0.11
    • Work GPCI 1.045 changed to 1.049
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.205 changed to 1.221
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.261 changed to 1.277

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $388.21changed to$379.95

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Practice expense RVU 7.28 changed to 7.08

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $384.66changed to$388.21

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 7.22 changed to 7.28
    • Work GPCI 1.048 changed to 1.045
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.271 changed to 1.261

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    $380.53changed to$384.66

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Practice expense RVU 7.14 changed to 7.22
    • Work GPCI 1.051 changed to 1.048
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.280 changed to 1.271

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2016

    RVU16A

    $380.58changed to$380.53

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
    • Practice expense RVU 7.12 changed to 7.14
    • Malpractice RVU 0.11 changed to 0.12

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $378.68changed to$380.58

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $392.49changed to$378.68

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Practice expense RVU 7.45 changed to 7.12
    • Work GPCI 1.050 changed to 1.051
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.202 changed to 1.205
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.205 changed to 1.280

    Held through RVU15B.

  15. January 1, 2014

    RVU14A

    $517.01changed to$392.49

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Work RVU 1.92 changed to 1.78
    • Practice expense RVU 10.89 changed to 7.45
    • Malpractice RVU 0.12 changed to 0.11
    • Work GPCI 1.049 changed to 1.050
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.198 changed to 1.202
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.130 changed to 1.205

    Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.

  16. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: $517.01

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$312.02Not available in this settingRVU26D
2026-07-01$312.02Not available in this settingRVU26C
2026-04-01$312.02Not available in this settingRVU26B
2026-01-01$312.02Not available in this settingRVU26A
2025-10-01$311.78Not available in this settingRVU25D
2025-07-01$311.78Not available in this settingRVU25C
2025-04-01$311.78Not available in this settingRVU25B
2025-01-01$311.78Not available in this settingRVU25A
2024-10-01$326.00Not available in this settingRVU24D
2024-07-01$326.00Not available in this settingRVU24C
2024-04-01$326.00Not available in this settingRVU24B
2024-03-09$326.00Not available in this settingRVU24AR
2024-01-01$320.68Not available in this settingRVU24A
2023-10-01$341.87Not available in this settingRVU23D
2023-07-01$341.87Not available in this settingRVU23C
2023-04-01$341.87Not available in this settingRVU23B
2023-01-01$341.87Not available in this settingRVU23A
2022-10-01$356.43Not available in this settingRVU22D
2022-07-01$356.43Not available in this settingRVU22C
2022-04-01$356.43Not available in this settingRVU22B
2022-01-01$356.43Not available in this settingRVU22A
2021-10-01$374.91Not available in this settingRVU21D
2021-07-01$374.91Not available in this settingRVU21C
2021-04-01$374.91Not available in this settingRVU21B
2021-01-01$374.91Not available in this settingRVU21A
2020-10-01$377.83Not available in this settingRVU20D
2020-07-01$377.83Not available in this settingRVU20C
2020-04-01$377.83Not available in this settingRVU20B
2020-01-01$377.83Not available in this settingRVU20A
2019-10-01$379.95Not available in this settingRVU19D
2019-07-01$379.95Not available in this settingRVU19C
2019-04-01$379.95Not available in this settingRVU19B
2019-01-01$379.95Not available in this settingRVU19A
2018-10-01$388.21Not available in this settingRVU18D
2018-07-01$388.21Not available in this settingRVU18C
2018-04-01$388.21Not available in this settingRVU18B
2018-01-01$388.21Not available in this settingRVU18AR1
2017-10-01$384.66Not available in this settingRVU17D
2017-07-01$384.66Not available in this settingRVU17C
2017-04-01$384.66Not available in this settingRVU17B
2017-01-01$384.66Not available in this settingRVU17A
2016-10-01$380.53Not available in this settingRVU16D
2016-07-01$380.53Not available in this settingRVU16C
2016-04-01$380.53Not available in this settingRVU16B
2016-01-01$380.53Not available in this settingRVU16A
2015-10-01$380.58Not available in this settingRVU15D
2015-07-01$380.58Not available in this settingRVU15C
2015-04-01$378.68Not available in this settingRVU15B
2015-01-01$378.68Not available in this settingRVU15A
2014-10-01$392.49Not available in this settingRVU14D
2014-07-01$392.49Not available in this settingRVU14C
2014-04-01$392.49Not available in this settingRVU14B
2014-01-01$392.49Not available in this settingRVU14A
2013-10-01$517.01Not available in this settingRVU13D
2013-07-01$517.01Not available in this settingRVU13C
2013-04-01$517.01Not available in this settingRVU13B
2013-01-01$517.01Not available in this settingRVU13AR

Price 72147 for an earlier date of service

Where the Washington, DC area rate applies

Washington, DC area is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 1 cities and communities in District of Columbia. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

  • Washington

Browse all communities in District of Columbia

72147 billing questions

When should 72147 be selected instead of 72157?

Use 72147 when the thoracic MRI is performed with contrast only. Use 72157 when the examination includes both noncontrast and contrast-enhanced imaging.

How does 72147 differ from 72146?

72147 describes thoracic spine MRI with contrast, while 72146 describes the examination without contrast.

Can the interpretation and imaging service be billed separately?

Yes. Modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation, and modifier TC identifies the technical service. Billing without either modifier represents the global service.

How does the multiple procedure reduction affect this code?

CMS applies the diagnostic imaging multiple procedure reduction to the technical and professional components when applicable.

What should the record support for 72147?

The record should support imaging of the thoracic spine with contrast and show that the performed examination was not a combined noncontrast-and-contrast study.

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
RVUs for 72147PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 8,021 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for Washington, DC areaGPCI2026.csv, line 39 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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