How To Use CPT Code 0042T

CPT 0042T describes the analysis of cerebral perfusion using computed tomography (CT) with the administration of contrast. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0042T?

CPT 0042T can be used to describe the analysis of cerebral perfusion using CT scans with the administration of contrast. This procedure is performed to evaluate patients suspected of having a stroke. The provider measures the level of absorption of the contrast in the brain, which is seen as brighter tissue on CT images. By mapping changes to the density of the contrast in the tissue over time, the provider calculates measurements of cerebral blood flow, cerebral blood volume, and mean transit time.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0042T is: ‘Cerebral perfusion analysis using computed tomography with contrast administration, including post-processing of parametric maps with determination of cerebral blood flow, cerebral blood volume, and mean transit time.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider administers contrast, typically an iodine tracer, through an intravenous (IV) route.
2. The contrast travels to the brain in the blood and perfuses the brain tissue.
3. The provider takes sequential CT images of a section of the brain and maps changes to the density of the contrast in the tissue over time.
4. Using computer software, the provider calculates measurements of cerebral blood flow, cerebral blood volume, and mean transit time.

4. Qualifying circumstances

This procedure is performed on patients suspected of having a stroke. It is used to evaluate cerebral perfusion and determine the amount of blood taken up by the brain cells, the cerebral blood volume, and the mean transit time. The provider must administer contrast through an IV route and perform the analysis using CT scans.

5. When to use CPT code 0042T

CPT code 0042T should be used when the provider performs the analysis of cerebral perfusion using CT scans with the administration of contrast. It is appropriate for patients suspected of having a stroke. This code should not be used for other types of cerebral perfusion analysis or for procedures that do not involve CT scans and contrast administration.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0042T, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for performing the analysis (e.g., suspected stroke)
• Type of contrast administered and route of administration
• Date and time of the procedure
• CT images obtained and post-processing of parametric maps
• Measurements of cerebral blood flow, cerebral blood volume, and mean transit time
• Signature of the provider performing the analysis

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0042T, ensure that the provider performs the analysis using CT scans with the administration of contrast. This code should not be reported with other codes unless specifically instructed by the payer. It is important to check with the payer for coverage and reimbursement guidelines for this procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0042T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2003. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A radiologist performing an analysis of cerebral perfusion using CT scans with the administration of contrast to evaluate a patient suspected of having a stroke.
2. A neurologist analyzing cerebral perfusion in a patient with suspected cerebrovascular disease using CT scans and contrast administration.
3. A neurosurgeon evaluating cerebral blood flow and volume in a patient with a brain tumor using CT scans and contrast.
4. A neuroradiologist assessing cerebral perfusion in a patient with traumatic brain injury using CT scans and contrast.
5. A neurointerventionalist analyzing cerebral blood flow in a patient with an arteriovenous malformation using CT scans and contrast administration.
6. A neurology researcher studying cerebral perfusion patterns in patients with Alzheimer’s disease using CT scans and contrast.
7. A neurosurgeon evaluating cerebral blood flow and transit time in a patient with a suspected vascular anomaly using CT scans and contrast.
8. A radiologist performing an analysis of cerebral perfusion in a patient with suspected vasospasm using CT scans and contrast administration.
9. A neurologist assessing cerebral blood flow and volume in a patient with a suspected brain aneurysm using CT scans and contrast.
10. A neuroradiologist analyzing cerebral perfusion in a patient with suspected moyamoya disease using CT scans and contrast administration.