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CPT code 72157: Thoracic MRI, without and with contrast2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Nevada

Reports thoracic spine MRI images acquired before and after contrast, commonly used to evaluate spinal cord, nerve, or vertebral abnormalities.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality111.6K Medicare services in 2024

In Nevada, Medicare pays $317.99 for 72157 in the office.

$317.99Office (non-facility)
Not available in this settingHospital or facility
−0.2%vs the national office rate ($318.64)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 72157 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 72157 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in Nevada
  2. What 72157 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 72157 covers

This service covers MRI imaging of the thoracic spine, the mid-back portion of the spine, with images obtained before and after contrast administration. A radiologic technologist performs the image acquisition in an imaging center or hospital department; a radiologist interprets the study. Clinical uses can include evaluating suspected spinal cord or nerve abnormalities, tumors, infection, or changes after thoracic spine surgery when both contrast phases are requested and performed.

Report one study when the examination includes both the noncontrast and postcontrast imaging phases. The order and report should support the thoracic region examined, the use of both phases, and the clinical indication. CMS permits separate professional and technical component billing: modifier 26 identifies the interpretation, modifier TC identifies the equipment and staff, and billing without either modifier represents the global service. When multiple diagnostic imaging services are performed, CMS's imaging multiple procedure reduction applies to both the professional and technical components.

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 Nevada compares for 72157

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 72157 runs from $282.38 in Arkansas to $429.92 in San Benito County, CA. Nevada pays $317.99. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

72157 in Nevada vs other payment areas
  1. Nevada · this page$317.99
  2. Los Angeles, CA · California$363.61+$45.62
  3. Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$365.78+$47.79
  4. Miami, FL · Florida$336.61+$18.62
  5. Chicago, IL · Illinois$327.28+$9.29
  6. Manhattan, NY · New York$365.23+$47.24
  7. Alaska · Alaska$369.01+$51.02

Other areas in Nevada first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.

Every other payment area

72157 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
AlabamaAlabama$286.47—
ArkansasArkansas$282.38—
ArizonaArizona$310.47—
Bakersfield, CACalifornia$340.90—
Chico, CACalifornia$340.36—
El Centro, CACalifornia$340.38—
Fresno, CACalifornia$340.36—
Hanford, CACalifornia$340.36—

72157 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.

$282.38

$385.14

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

View every state and territory as a table
72157 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$369.011
AL$286.471
AR$282.381
AZ$310.471
CA$340.36–$429.9229
CO$333.651
CT$339.651
DC$365.781
DE$315.611
FL$310.82–$336.613
GA$293.88–$323.762
GU$349.111
HI$349.111
IA$295.121
ID$296.721
IL$300.88–$329.744
IN$298.461
KS$293.071
KY$291.681
LA$290.96–$305.282
MA$331.41–$367.442
MD$321.82–$365.783
ME$297.52–$314.522
MI$298.56–$313.952
MN$321.811
MO$285.55–$307.193
MS$284.051
MT$318.631
NC$300.711
ND$315.471
NE$296.931
NH$327.771
NJ$344.11–$361.912
NM$299.901
NV$317.991
NY$305.12–$373.135
OH$297.911
OK$291.901
OR$316.10–$344.982
PA$298.77–$330.812
PR$321.191
RI$327.361
SC$299.691
SD$315.101
TN$294.441
TX$296.77–$332.048
UT$303.771
VA$313.01–$365.782
VI$321.191
VT$313.621
WA$330.99–$375.602
WI$304.921
WV$289.661
WY$317.261

See 72157 in every payment locality

How the 72157 rate is calculated

Each of 72157’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 · 72157

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work2.23

2.23 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense7.15

7.15 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.16

0.16 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

9.5400

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$318.64

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

The exact Nevada inputs and CMS source lines

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

8,033

Code
72157
Physician work
2.23
Practice expense
7.15
Malpractice
0.16

GPCI2026.csv

73

Locality
Nevada
Physician work
1.000
Practice expense
1.001
Malpractice
0.833
Office calculation for 72157 in Nevada
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work2.23× 1.0002.2300
Practice expense7.15× 1.0017.1571
Malpractice0.16× 0.8330.1333
Total RVUs9.5204
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, Nevada$317.99

Office: (2.23 × 1 + 7.15 × 1.001 + 0.16 × 0.833) × $33.4009 = $317.99

Open 72157 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 72157

The CMS indicators that decide how 72157 is paid alongside other services.

CMS payment indicators · 72157

Thoracic MRI, without and with contrast

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

72157 without 26 · national office

$318.64

Thoracic MRI, without and with contrast

72157-26 · Professional component

$105.55

Pays only the interpretation and report.

When to use modifier 26

Codes related to 72157

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

Codes related to 72157
CodeHow it relatesOffice range, Nevada
Same family
72146Spine MRI, thoracic, without contrastThoracic spine MRI without contrast only.$189.97
72147Thoracic MRI, with contrast onlyThoracic spine MRI with contrast only.$270.76
72156Spine MRI, cervical spine, without and with contrastThe corresponding without-and-with-contrast MRI protocol for the cervical spine.$317.32
72158Lumbar MRI, without and with contrastThe corresponding without-and-with-contrast MRI protocol for the lumbar spine.$317.66
Used instead
72128Spine CT, thoracic, no contrastThoracic spine CT without contrast when CT is the selected modality.$129.97
72130Thoracic spine CT, without and with contrastThoracic spine CT without and with contrast when CT is selected.$197.72

How 72157 has changed in Nevada

72157 · Office / nonfacility

$317.99

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $3.10 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $314.89 to $317.99 (1.0%).

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

    $314.89changed to$317.99

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 2.29 changed to 2.23
    • Practice expense RVU 7.31 changed to 7.15
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.000 changed to 1.001
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.844 changed to 0.833

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $328.43changed to$314.89

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 7.45 changed to 7.31
    • Malpractice RVU 0.15 changed to 0.16

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $323.07changed to$328.43

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $340.42changed to$323.07

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 7.58 changed to 7.45
    • Malpractice RVU 0.16 changed to 0.15
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.098 changed to 0.844

  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $350.81changed to$340.42

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 7.66 changed to 7.58
    • Malpractice RVU 0.13 changed to 0.16
    • Work GPCI 1.005 changed to 1.000
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.351 changed to 1.098

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $368.72changed to$350.81

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 8.09 changed to 7.66

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $375.19changed to$368.72

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 7.95 changed to 8.09
    • Work GPCI 1.004 changed to 1.005
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.130 changed to 1.351

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    $384.85changed to$375.19

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 8.11 changed to 7.95
    • Malpractice RVU 0.15 changed to 0.13
    • Work GPCI 1.002 changed to 1.004
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.017 changed to 1.000
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.909 changed to 1.130

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $393.22changed to$384.85

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Practice expense RVU 8.35 changed to 8.11

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $395.98changed to$393.22

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 8.31 changed to 8.35
    • Work GPCI 1.004 changed to 1.002
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.034 changed to 1.017
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.946 changed to 0.909

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    $398.13changed to$395.98

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Practice expense RVU 8.25 changed to 8.31
    • Work GPCI 1.005 changed to 1.004
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.051 changed to 1.034
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.982 changed to 0.946

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2016

    RVU16A

    $398.78changed to$398.13

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
    • Practice expense RVU 8.22 changed to 8.25
    • Malpractice RVU 0.16 changed to 0.15

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $396.80changed to$398.78

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $415.71changed to$396.80

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Practice expense RVU 8.68 changed to 8.22
    • Malpractice RVU 0.14 changed to 0.16
    • Work GPCI 1.001 changed to 1.005
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.055 changed to 1.051
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.107 changed to 0.982

    Held through RVU15B.

  15. January 1, 2014

    RVU14A

    $558.56changed to$415.71

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Work RVU 2.57 changed to 2.29
    • Practice expense RVU 12.89 changed to 8.68
    • Malpractice RVU 0.17 changed to 0.14
    • Work GPCI 1.000 changed to 1.001
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.058 changed to 1.055
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.232 changed to 1.107

    Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.

  16. October 1, 2013

    RVU13D

    No ratechanged to$558.56

  17. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: No rate

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$317.99Not available in this settingRVU26D
2026-07-01$317.99Not available in this settingRVU26C
2026-04-01$317.99Not available in this settingRVU26B
2026-01-01$317.99Not available in this settingRVU26A
2025-10-01$314.89Not available in this settingRVU25D
2025-07-01$314.89Not available in this settingRVU25C
2025-04-01$314.89Not available in this settingRVU25B
2025-01-01$314.89Not available in this settingRVU25A
2024-10-01$328.43Not available in this settingRVU24D
2024-07-01$328.43Not available in this settingRVU24C
2024-04-01$328.43Not available in this settingRVU24B
2024-03-09$328.43Not available in this settingRVU24AR
2024-01-01$323.07Not available in this settingRVU24A
2023-10-01$340.42Not available in this settingRVU23D
2023-07-01$340.42Not available in this settingRVU23C
2023-04-01$340.42Not available in this settingRVU23B
2023-01-01$340.42Not available in this settingRVU23A
2022-10-01$350.81Not available in this settingRVU22D
2022-07-01$350.81Not available in this settingRVU22C
2022-04-01$350.81Not available in this settingRVU22B
2022-01-01$350.81Not available in this settingRVU22A
2021-10-01$368.72Not available in this settingRVU21D
2021-07-01$368.72Not available in this settingRVU21C
2021-04-01$368.72Not available in this settingRVU21B
2021-01-01$368.72Not available in this settingRVU21A
2020-10-01$375.19Not available in this settingRVU20D
2020-07-01$375.19Not available in this settingRVU20C
2020-04-01$375.19Not available in this settingRVU20B
2020-01-01$375.19Not available in this settingRVU20A
2019-10-01$384.85Not available in this settingRVU19D
2019-07-01$384.85Not available in this settingRVU19C
2019-04-01$384.85Not available in this settingRVU19B
2019-01-01$384.85Not available in this settingRVU19A
2018-10-01$393.22Not available in this settingRVU18D
2018-07-01$393.22Not available in this settingRVU18C
2018-04-01$393.22Not available in this settingRVU18B
2018-01-01$393.22Not available in this settingRVU18AR1
2017-10-01$395.98Not available in this settingRVU17D
2017-07-01$395.98Not available in this settingRVU17C
2017-04-01$395.98Not available in this settingRVU17B
2017-01-01$395.98Not available in this settingRVU17A
2016-10-01$398.13Not available in this settingRVU16D
2016-07-01$398.13Not available in this settingRVU16C
2016-04-01$398.13Not available in this settingRVU16B
2016-01-01$398.13Not available in this settingRVU16A
2015-10-01$398.78Not available in this settingRVU15D
2015-07-01$398.78Not available in this settingRVU15C
2015-04-01$396.80Not available in this settingRVU15B
2015-01-01$396.80Not available in this settingRVU15A
2014-10-01$415.71Not available in this settingRVU14D
2014-07-01$415.71Not available in this settingRVU14C
2014-04-01$415.71Not available in this settingRVU14B
2014-01-01$415.71Not available in this settingRVU14A
2013-10-01$558.56Not available in this settingRVU13D
2013-07-01Rate data unavailableNot available in this settingRVU13C
2013-04-01Rate data unavailableNot available in this settingRVU13B
2013-01-01Rate data unavailableNot available in this settingRVU13AR

Price 72157 for an earlier date of service

Where the Nevada rate applies

Nevada is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 138 cities and communities in Nevada. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

  • Alamo
  • Amargosa Valley
  • Austin
  • Baker
  • Battle Mountain
  • Beatty
  • Beaverdam
  • Bennett Springs

Browse all communities in Nevada

72157 billing questions

When is this code used instead of 72146 or 72147?

Use 72157 when the thoracic MRI includes imaging both before and after contrast. Code 72146 describes a thoracic MRI without contrast, while 72147 describes one with contrast only.

Should the noncontrast and postcontrast phases be reported as two MRI codes?

No. For one thoracic MRI study performed both without and with contrast, report 72157 rather than separately reporting 72146 and 72147.

How are the interpretation and image acquisition billed?

Modifier 26 identifies the professional interpretation, and modifier TC identifies the technical service. Report the global service without either modifier when billing both components together.

Does the multiple imaging reduction affect both components?

Yes. CMS applies the diagnostic imaging multiple procedure reduction to both the professional and technical components.

What should the documentation support?

The order and report should identify the thoracic spine, document that images were obtained before and after contrast, and support the clinical reason for the examination.

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 72157PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 8,033 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for NevadaGPCI2026.csv, line 73 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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