How To Use CPT Code 0611T

CPT 0611T describes the postprocessing for algorithmic analysis of biomarker data obtained from magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar discs. This article will cover the description, official definition, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of CPT code 0611T.

1. What is CPT Code 0611T?

CPT 0611T can be used to report the postprocessing for algorithmic analysis of biomarker data obtained from MRS scans of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar discs. This code is used when a provider uses software analysis to determine the relative chemical differences between the discs, aiding in the determination and localization of discogenic pain.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0611T is: ‘Magnetic resonance spectroscopy, determination and localization of discogenic pain (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar); postprocessing for algorithmic analysis of biomarker data for determination of relative chemical differences between discs.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is placed in an MRI machine, and single-voxel acquisition data is obtained on structural and biochemical markers of at least three discs.
2. The acquisition data for each disc is transmitted to a computer for postprocessing using a computer algorithm.
3. The results are displayed 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 of the biomarker data.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0611T is used for patients who undergo MRS scans of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar discs to determine and localize discogenic pain. The procedure involves the analysis of biomarker data obtained from the scans to identify relative chemical differences between the discs. This code should be reported when the postprocessing for algorithmic analysis of the biomarker data is performed.

5. When to use CPT code 0611T

CPT code 0611T should be used when a provider performs the postprocessing for algorithmic analysis of biomarker data obtained from MRS scans of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar discs. This code should not be used for the acquisition of the MRS data or the interpretation and report of the results.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0611T, the provider must document the following information:

• The specific discs scanned (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar)
• Details of the postprocessing performed for algorithmic analysis of the biomarker data
• The results of the analysis, including the relative chemical differences between the discs
• The provider’s interpretation of the results and the preparation of a report

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0611T, ensure that the postprocessing for algorithmic analysis of the biomarker data is performed for the determination and localization of discogenic pain. This code should not be reported with other codes for MRS data acquisition or interpretation and report. It is important to follow payer guidelines regarding coverage for this investigational procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0611T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on July 1, 2020. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs postprocessing for algorithmic analysis of biomarker data obtained from an MRS scan of the cervical discs to determine and localize discogenic pain.
2. During an MRS scan of the thoracic discs, a provider analyzes the biomarker data using software to identify relative chemical differences between the discs for the determination of discogenic pain.
3. A patient undergoes an MRS scan of the lumbar discs, and a provider performs postprocessing for algorithmic analysis of the biomarker data to aid in the localization of discogenic pain.
4. Using software analysis, a provider determines the relative chemical differences between the cervical discs based on the biomarker data obtained from an MRS scan to assist in the determination of discogenic pain.
5. For a patient with suspected discogenic pain in the thoracic region, a provider performs postprocessing for algorithmic analysis of the biomarker data obtained from an MRS scan to identify the relative chemical differences between the discs.
6. During an MRS scan of the lumbar discs, a provider analyzes the biomarker data using software to determine and localize discogenic pain by identifying the relative chemical differences between the discs.
7. A provider performs postprocessing for algorithmic analysis of the biomarker data obtained from an MRS scan of the cervical discs to aid in the determination and localization of discogenic pain.
8. Using software analysis, a provider determines the relative chemical differences between the thoracic discs based on the biomarker data obtained from an MRS scan to assist in the determination of discogenic pain.
9. For a patient with suspected discogenic pain in the lumbar region, a provider performs postprocessing for algorithmic analysis of the biomarker data obtained from an MRS scan to identify the relative chemical differences between the discs.
10. During an MRS scan of the cervical discs, a provider analyzes the biomarker data using software to determine and localize discogenic pain by identifying the relative chemical differences between the discs.