How To Use CPT Code 0610T

CPT 0610T describes the transmission of biomarker data from magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar discs for software analysis. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0610T?

CPT 0610T can be used to report the transmission of biomarker data obtained from magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar discs for software analysis. This code is used when the acquired data for each disc is transmitted to a computer, processed using a computer algorithm, and the results are displayed as a graphic representation of degenerative pain-related and structural biomarkers.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0610T is: ‘Magnetic resonance spectroscopy, determination and localization of discogenic pain (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar); transmission of biomarker data for software analysis.’

3. Procedure

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

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0610T is used for the transmission of biomarker data from MRS of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar discs for software analysis. It is typically performed for patients experiencing discogenic pain in these areas. The procedure involves the use of a computer algorithm to analyze the acquired data and generate graphic representations of degenerative pain-related and structural biomarkers.

5. When to use CPT code 0610T

CPT code 0610T should be used when the transmission of biomarker data from MRS of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar discs is performed for software analysis. It is important to note that this code should not be reported for the acquisition of data or postprocessing for algorithmic analysis. Instead, separate codes (0609T and 0611T) should be used for these specific components of the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0610T, the following documentation should be included:

• Indication of the need for the procedure
• Acquisition of single-voxel data on structural and biochemical markers of at least three discs
• Transmission of the acquired data to a computer for software analysis
• Results displayed as a graphic representation of degenerative pain-related and structural biomarkers
• Interpretation of the results and preparation of a report by a provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0610T, ensure that the procedure involves the transmission of biomarker data from MRS of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar discs for software analysis. It is important to use the appropriate code for each component of the procedure (0609T for data acquisition, 0611T for postprocessing, and 0612T for interpretation and report). It is also advisable to check with the payer regarding coverage and reimbursement policies for this specific procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0610T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on July 1, 2020. As a relatively new code, there have been no updates or changes since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes MRS of the cervical discs, and the acquired data is transmitted for software analysis to determine and localize discogenic pain.
2. A provider performs MRS of the thoracic discs, and the acquired data is transmitted for software analysis to identify degenerative pain-related and structural biomarkers.
3. A patient undergoes MRS of the lumbar discs, and the acquired data is transmitted for software analysis to determine the presence and location of discogenic pain.
4. A provider performs MRS of both the cervical and lumbar discs, and the acquired data from each region is transmitted for software analysis to evaluate degenerative pain-related and structural biomarkers.
5. A patient undergoes MRS of the thoracic discs, and the acquired data is transmitted for software analysis to assess the presence and severity of discogenic pain.
6. A provider performs MRS of the cervical and thoracic discs, and the acquired data from each region is transmitted for software analysis to determine and localize degenerative pain-related and structural biomarkers.
7. A patient undergoes MRS of the lumbar discs, and the acquired data is transmitted for software analysis to identify biomarkers associated with discogenic pain.
8. A provider performs MRS of the cervical discs, and the acquired data is transmitted for software analysis to evaluate degenerative pain-related and structural biomarkers.
9. A patient undergoes MRS of both the thoracic and lumbar discs, and the acquired data from each region is transmitted for software analysis to assess the presence and severity of discogenic pain.
10. A provider performs MRS of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar discs, and the acquired data from each region is transmitted for software analysis to determine and localize degenerative pain-related and structural biomarkers.