Axial Skeleton, Except Skull and Facial Bones (BR) ICD-10-PCS
The BR body system covers Imaging procedures on axial skeleton, except skull and facial bones, with 162 ICD-10-PCS codes across 5 root operations, 157 of them billable in fiscal year 2027. Each root operation defines a distinct procedural objective, and the info icons show the official definition with a preview of the codes inside.
Root Operations in This Body System 5 operations · 162 codes
| Chars 1–3 | Root Operation | Codes | Billable |
|---|---|---|---|
| BR0 | Plain RadiographyPlanar display of an image developed from the capture of external ionizing radiation on photographic or photoconductive plate | 42 | 41 |
| BR1 | FluoroscopySingle plane or bi-plane real time display of an image developed from the capture of external ionizing radiation on fluorescent screen. The image may also be stored by either digital or analog means | 65 | 64 |
| BR2 | Computerized Tomography (CT Scan)Computer-reformatted digital display of multiplanar images developed from the capture of multiple exposures of external ionizing radiation | 25 | 24 |
| BR3 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)Computer reformatted digital display of multiplanar images developed from the capture of radio frequency signals emitted by nuclei in a body site excited within a magnetic field | 25 | 24 |
| BR4 | UltrasonographyReal time display of images of anatomy or flow information developed from the capture of reflected and attenuated high frequency sound waves | 5 | 4 |
The info icon shows the official root operation definition and previews the codes in that range.
About the BR Body System
These codes describe imaging of the spine, its discs and joints, the pelvis, sacrum and coccyx, and sternum. The body-part character distinguishes spine regions, discs, joints, the whole spine, and other named sites.
The imaging type separates plain radiography’s flat radiation images from fluoroscopy’s live images and CT images assembled from multiple radiation exposures. MRI uses radio signals in a magnetic field, while ultrasonography uses reflected sound waves to show anatomy or flow in real time.
Questions About This Page
How many codes are in the BR body system?
The BR body system contains 162 ICD-10-PCS codes in FY 2027, organized into 5 root operations. 157 of them are billable on inpatient claims.
What is a root operation?
The root operation is the third character of every ICD-10-PCS code and names the objective of the procedure. Drainage takes fluid out, Excision cuts out a portion of a body part, and Resection removes all of one. Picking the right root operation is the central skill of PCS coding, so each one above carries its official CMS definition.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-PCS order file and code tables, effective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
