CPT code 72156: Spine MRI, cervical spine, without and with contrast2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Minnesota
Reports cervical spine MRI with images acquired before and after contrast, commonly used to evaluate suspected lesions, infection, or spinal cord abnormalities.
In Minnesota, Medicare pays $321.12 for 72156 in the office.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 72156 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 72156 covers
This examination uses magnetic resonance imaging to assess the cervical vertebrae, discs, spinal canal, cord, and surrounding tissues, with images obtained before and after contrast administration. It may be ordered for suspected tumor, infection, inflammatory disease, postoperative concerns, or neurologic symptoms that suggest cervical cord or nerve-root disease. A technologist performs the scan in a hospital or outpatient imaging center, and a radiologist interprets the images.
Report this code when the cervical spine study includes both precontrast and postcontrast imaging; a study using only one contrast protocol is coded differently. The record should support the clinical reason for imaging and document the performed examination and interpretation. The global service includes the professional interpretation and technical work; modifier 26 identifies the interpretation, while modifier TC identifies the equipment and staff portion. CMS applies the diagnostic imaging multiple procedure reduction to both components when it applies.
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 Minnesota compares for 72156
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 72156 runs from $281.81 in Arkansas to $428.95 in San Benito County, CA. Minnesota pays $321.12. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Minnesota · this page$321.12
- Los Angeles, CA · California$362.82+$41.70
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$364.99+$43.87
- Miami, FL · Florida$335.91+$14.79
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$326.61+$5.49
- Manhattan, NY · New York$364.46+$43.34
- Alaska · Alaska$368.30+$47.18
Other areas in Minnesota first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $285.89 | — |
| ArkansasArkansas | $281.81 | — |
| ArizonaArizona | $309.82 | — |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $340.16 | — |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $339.63 | — |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $339.65 | — |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $339.63 | — |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $339.63 | — |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $339.63 | — |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $339.63 | — |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $339.63 | — |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $395.77 | — |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $361.39 | — |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $339.63 | — |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $339.63 | — |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $341.39 | — |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $357.00 | — |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $355.67 | — |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $364.44 | — |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $419.80 | — |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $419.62 | — |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $428.95 | — |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $428.21 | — |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $349.87 | — |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $368.26 | — |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $357.12 | — |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $372.03 | — |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $339.63 | — |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $395.51 | — |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $339.63 | — |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $339.63 | — |
| ColoradoColorado | $332.94 | — |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $338.93 | — |
| DelawareDelaware | $314.95 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $325.39 | — |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $310.19 | — |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $323.08 | — |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $293.28 | — |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $348.35 | — |
| IowaIowa | $294.51 | — |
| IdahoIdaho | $296.11 | — |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $304.34 | — |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $300.27 | — |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $329.05 | — |
| IndianaIndiana | $297.84 | — |
| KansasKansas | $292.46 | — |
| KentuckyKentucky | $291.09 | — |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $304.65 | — |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $290.37 | — |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $366.64 | — |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $330.71 | — |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $337.82 | — |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $321.14 | — |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $296.90 | — |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $313.86 | — |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $313.31 | — |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $297.95 | — |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $303.33 | — |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $306.56 | — |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $284.97 | — |
| MississippiMississippi | $283.48 | — |
| MontanaMontana | $317.97 | — |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $300.09 | — |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $314.80 | — |
| NebraskaNebraska | $296.32 | — |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $327.07 | — |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $361.14 | — |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $343.38 | — |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $299.28 | — |
| NevadaNevada | $317.32 | — |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $372.33 | — |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $345.07 | — |
| Queens, NYNew York | $368.45 | — |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $304.48 | — |
| OhioOhio | $297.30 | — |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $291.30 | — |
| Portland, OROregon | $344.23 | — |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $315.44 | — |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $330.11 | — |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $298.15 | — |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $320.52 | — |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $326.67 | — |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $299.08 | — |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $314.43 | — |
| TennesseeTennessee | $293.83 | — |
| Austin, TXTexas | $331.33 | — |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $296.16 | — |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $315.25 | — |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $316.94 | — |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $314.62 | — |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $315.99 | — |
| Houston, TXTexas | $318.91 | — |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $305.31 | — |
| UtahUtah | $303.14 | — |
| VirginiaVirginia | $312.36 | — |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $320.52 | — |
| VermontVermont | $312.96 | — |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $330.29 | — |
| King County, WAWashington | $374.78 | — |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $304.28 | — |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $289.08 | — |
| WyomingWyoming | $316.59 | — |
72156 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.
$281.81
$384.29
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 | $368.30 | 1 |
| AL | $285.89 | 1 |
| AR | $281.81 | 1 |
| AZ | $309.82 | 1 |
| CA | $339.63–$428.95 | 29 |
| CO | $332.94 | 1 |
| CT | $338.93 | 1 |
| DC | $364.99 | 1 |
| DE | $314.95 | 1 |
| FL | $310.19–$335.91 | 3 |
| GA | $293.28–$323.08 | 2 |
| GU | $348.35 | 1 |
| HI | $348.35 | 1 |
| IA | $294.51 | 1 |
| ID | $296.11 | 1 |
| IL | $300.27–$329.05 | 4 |
| IN | $297.84 | 1 |
| KS | $292.46 | 1 |
| KY | $291.09 | 1 |
| LA | $290.37–$304.65 | 2 |
| MA | $330.71–$366.64 | 2 |
| MD | $321.14–$364.99 | 3 |
| ME | $296.90–$313.86 | 2 |
| MI | $297.95–$313.31 | 2 |
| MN | $321.12 | 1 |
| MO | $284.97–$306.56 | 3 |
| MS | $283.48 | 1 |
| MT | $317.97 | 1 |
| NC | $300.09 | 1 |
| ND | $314.80 | 1 |
| NE | $296.32 | 1 |
| NH | $327.07 | 1 |
| NJ | $343.38–$361.14 | 2 |
| NM | $299.28 | 1 |
| NV | $317.32 | 1 |
| NY | $304.48–$372.33 | 5 |
| OH | $297.30 | 1 |
| OK | $291.30 | 1 |
| OR | $315.44–$344.23 | 2 |
| PA | $298.15–$330.11 | 2 |
| PR | $320.52 | 1 |
| RI | $326.67 | 1 |
| SC | $299.08 | 1 |
| SD | $314.43 | 1 |
| TN | $293.83 | 1 |
| TX | $296.16–$331.33 | 8 |
| UT | $303.14 | 1 |
| VA | $312.36–$364.99 | 2 |
| VI | $320.52 | 1 |
| VT | $312.96 | 1 |
| WA | $330.29–$374.78 | 2 |
| WI | $304.28 | 1 |
| WV | $289.08 | 1 |
| WY | $316.59 | 1 |
How the 72156 rate is calculated
Each of 72156’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 · 72156
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work2.23
2.23 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense7.13
7.13 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.16
0.16 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
9.5200
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$317.98
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Minnesota inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
8,030
- Code
- 72156
- Physician work
- 2.23
- Practice expense
- 7.13
- Malpractice
- 0.16
GPCI2026.csv
66
- Locality
- Minnesota
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 1.029
- Malpractice
- 0.296
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 2.23 | × 1.000 | 2.2300 |
| Practice expense | 7.13 | × 1.029 | 7.3368 |
| Malpractice | 0.16 | × 0.296 | 0.0474 |
| Total RVUs | 9.6141 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Minnesota$321.12
Office: (2.23 × 1 + 7.13 × 1.029 + 0.16 × 0.296) × $33.4009 = $321.12
Payment rules and modifiers for 72156
The CMS indicators that decide how 72156 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 72156
Spine MRI, cervical spine, without and with 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
72156 without 26 · national office
$317.98
Spine MRI, cervical spine, without and with contrast
72156-26 · Professional component
$105.55
Pays only the interpretation and report.
How 72156 has changed in Minnesota
72156 · Office / nonfacility
$321.12
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $3.79 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $317.33 to $321.12 (1.2%).
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
$317.33changed to$321.12
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 2.29 changed to 2.23
- Practice expense RVU 7.29 changed to 7.13
- Practice expense GPCI 1.025 changed to 1.029
- Malpractice GPCI 0.300 changed to 0.296
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$331.24changed to$317.33
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 7.43 changed to 7.29
- Malpractice RVU 0.15 changed to 0.16
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$325.83changed to$331.24
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$340.42changed to$325.83
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 7.56 changed to 7.43
- Malpractice RVU 0.16 changed to 0.15
- Practice expense GPCI 1.019 changed to 1.025
- Malpractice GPCI 0.326 changed to 0.300
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$349.02changed to$340.42
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 7.65 changed to 7.56
- Malpractice RVU 0.13 changed to 0.16
- Practice expense GPCI 1.013 changed to 1.019
- Malpractice GPCI 0.353 changed to 0.326
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$366.75changed to$349.02
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 8.07 changed to 7.65
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$373.94changed to$366.75
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 7.93 changed to 8.07
- Practice expense GPCI 1.012 changed to 1.013
- Malpractice GPCI 0.357 changed to 0.353
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$378.89changed to$373.94
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 8.08 changed to 7.93
- Malpractice RVU 0.15 changed to 0.13
- Practice expense GPCI 1.011 changed to 1.012
- Malpractice GPCI 0.362 changed to 0.357
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$387.57changed to$378.89
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 8.33 changed to 8.08
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$386.30changed to$387.57
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense RVU 8.29 changed to 8.33
- Practice expense GPCI 1.016 changed to 1.011
- Malpractice GPCI 0.341 changed to 0.362
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$384.27changed to$386.30
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Practice expense RVU 8.23 changed to 8.29
- Practice expense GPCI 1.020 changed to 1.016
- Malpractice GPCI 0.319 changed to 0.341
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$384.81changed to$384.27
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
- Practice expense RVU 8.21 changed to 8.23
- Malpractice RVU 0.14 changed to 0.15
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$382.89changed to$384.81
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$399.10changed to$382.89
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense RVU 8.67 changed to 8.21
- Practice expense GPCI 1.016 changed to 1.020
- Malpractice GPCI 0.301 changed to 0.319
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
$573.86changed to$399.10
- Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
- Work RVU 2.57 changed to 2.29
- Practice expense RVU 14.08 changed to 8.67
- Malpractice RVU 0.17 changed to 0.14
- Practice expense GPCI 1.012 changed to 1.016
- Malpractice GPCI 0.282 changed to 0.301
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
October 1, 2013
RVU13D
No ratechanged to$573.86
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: No rate
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $321.12 | Not available in this setting | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $321.12 | Not available in this setting | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $321.12 | Not available in this setting | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $321.12 | Not available in this setting | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $317.33 | Not available in this setting | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $317.33 | Not available in this setting | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $317.33 | Not available in this setting | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $317.33 | Not available in this setting | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $331.24 | Not available in this setting | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $331.24 | Not available in this setting | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $331.24 | Not available in this setting | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $331.24 | Not available in this setting | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $325.83 | Not available in this setting | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $340.42 | Not available in this setting | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $340.42 | Not available in this setting | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $340.42 | Not available in this setting | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $340.42 | Not available in this setting | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $349.02 | Not available in this setting | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $349.02 | Not available in this setting | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $349.02 | Not available in this setting | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $349.02 | Not available in this setting | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $366.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $366.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $366.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $366.75 | Not available in this setting | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $373.94 | Not available in this setting | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $373.94 | Not available in this setting | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $373.94 | Not available in this setting | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $373.94 | Not available in this setting | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $378.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $378.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $378.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $378.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $387.57 | Not available in this setting | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $387.57 | Not available in this setting | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $387.57 | Not available in this setting | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $387.57 | Not available in this setting | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $386.30 | Not available in this setting | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $386.30 | Not available in this setting | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $386.30 | Not available in this setting | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $386.30 | Not available in this setting | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $384.27 | Not available in this setting | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $384.27 | Not available in this setting | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $384.27 | Not available in this setting | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $384.27 | Not available in this setting | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $384.81 | Not available in this setting | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $384.81 | Not available in this setting | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $382.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $382.89 | Not available in this setting | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $399.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $399.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $399.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $399.10 | Not available in this setting | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | $573.86 | Not available in this setting | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | Rate data unavailable | Not available in this setting | RVU13AR |
Where the Minnesota rate applies
Minnesota is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 916 cities and communities in Minnesota. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Ada
- Adams
- Adrian
- Afton
- Aitkin
- Akeley
- Albany
- Albert Lea
72156 billing questions
When should this code be chosen over 72141?
Use this code when the cervical spine MRI includes images both before and after contrast. Code 72141 describes the study without contrast.
How does this differ from 72142?
Code 72142 is for cervical spine MRI performed with contrast only. This code represents imaging before and after contrast.
Can the interpretation and scan be billed separately?
Yes. Modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation, and modifier TC identifies the technical portion. Without either modifier, the billing represents the global service.
Does the multiple procedure reduction affect both portions?
Yes. CMS applies the diagnostic imaging multiple procedure reduction to the technical and professional components.
Should the code be reported for each image sequence?
No. Report the examination as a service, not once for each sequence. The documentation should support that both precontrast and postcontrast imaging were performed.
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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