How To Use CPT Code 0609T

CPT 0609T describes the use of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to determine and localize discogenic pain in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0609T?

CPT 0609T is a code that represents the use of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to assess and diagnose discogenic pain in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions. This procedure involves the acquisition of single voxel data on various biochemical markers in at least three intervertebral discs. The results of the MRS scan provide information on the structural integrity and biochemical composition of the discs, aiding in the diagnosis of discogenic pain.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0609T is: ‘Magnetic resonance spectroscopy, determination and localization of discogenic pain (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar); acquisition of single voxel data, per disc, on biomarkers (ie, lactic acid, carbohydrate, alanine, laal, propionic acid, proteoglycan, and collagen) in at least 3 discs.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is placed in an MRI machine.
2. Single-voxel acquisition data is obtained on structural and biochemical markers of at least three intervertebral discs.
3. The acquisition data for each disc is transmitted to a computer.
4. A computer algorithm processes the data and displays the results as a graphic representation of degenerative pain-related and structural biomarkers.
5. A qualified provider interprets the results and prepares a report.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0609T is used for patients experiencing discogenic pain in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions. The procedure requires the acquisition of single voxel data on various biomarkers in at least three intervertebral discs. It is important to note that this code should only be used for the determination and localization of discogenic pain, and not for other conditions or purposes.

5. When to use CPT code 0609T

CPT code 0609T should be used when a provider performs magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to assess and diagnose discogenic pain in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions. This code is specifically for the acquisition of single voxel data on biomarkers in at least three intervertebral discs. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the official description of the code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0609T, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis indicating discogenic pain
• Specific discs assessed using MRS
• Date of the procedure
• Results of the MRS scan, including the identified biomarkers and their relative chemical differences between discs
• Interpretation of the results by the provider
• Preparation of a report documenting the findings

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0609T, ensure that the procedure meets the requirements outlined in the official description. It is important to report this code only for the acquisition of single voxel data on biomarkers in at least three intervertebral discs. Additionally, be aware of any additional codes that may need to be reported in conjunction with CPT code 0609T, and follow any specific billing guidelines provided by payers.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0609T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on July 1, 2020. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with chronic low back pain undergoes magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to determine the presence and location of discogenic pain in the lumbar region.
2. A provider performs MRS on a patient with suspected discogenic pain in the cervical region to assess the biochemical markers in the intervertebral discs.
3. A patient with mid back pain undergoes MRS to localize the source of the pain in the thoracic discs.
4. A provider uses MRS to assess the biochemical composition of intervertebral discs in a patient with discogenic pain in multiple regions of the spine.
5. MRS is performed on a patient with persistent neck pain to determine the presence of discogenic pain in the cervical discs.
6. A provider utilizes MRS to assess the biochemical markers in the lumbar discs of a patient with chronic low back pain.
7. A patient with thoracic pain undergoes MRS to determine the presence and location of discogenic pain in the thoracic discs.
8. A provider performs MRS on a patient with suspected discogenic pain in the lumbar region to assess the biochemical composition of the intervertebral discs.
9. MRS is used to assess the biochemical markers in the cervical discs of a patient with chronic neck pain.
10. A patient with persistent mid back pain undergoes MRS to determine the presence and location of discogenic pain in the thoracic discs.