How To Use CPT Code 0649T

CPT 0649T describes the quantitative magnetic resonance analysis of tissue composition using diagnostic MRI. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0649T?

CPT 0649T can be used to describe the quantitative analysis of tissue composition using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This code represents the acquisition, preparation, and transmission of data, as well as the interpretation and reporting of the results. It is an add-on service that is reported in addition to a diagnostic MRI of the same anatomy, specifically limited to a single organ.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0649T is: ‘Quantitative magnetic resonance for analysis of tissue composition (eg, fat, iron, water content), including multiparametric data acquisition, data preparation and transmission, interpretation and report, obtained with diagnostic MRI examination of the same anatomy (eg, organ, gland, tissue, target structure); single organ (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)’

3. Procedure

1. The provider positions the patient appropriately in the MRI machine.
2. Using magnetic resonance imaging, the provider acquires images and data to analyze tissue composition.
3. The software and technique allow for the characterization of different tissue parameters, such as fat, iron, and water content.
4. The provider prepares and transmits the acquired data for analysis.
5. The code also includes the interpretation of the results and the preparation of a report.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0649T is used when there is a need to quantitatively analyze tissue composition using MRI. It should not be reported in conjunction with codes 0648T, 0697T, or 0698T when evaluating the same organ, gland, tissue, or target structure. This code is specifically limited to a single organ.

5. When to use CPT code 0649T

CPT code 0649T should be used when there is a diagnostic MRI of the same anatomy and the provider needs to perform a quantitative analysis of tissue composition. It is important to remember that this is an add-on code and should be reported in addition to the primary procedure code. If there is no diagnostic MRI of the same anatomy, code 0648T should be used instead. For quantitative magnetic resonance involving multiple organs, codes 0697T (without diagnostic MRI) and 0698T (with diagnostic MRI) should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0649T, the provider must document the following information:

• The need for quantitative analysis of tissue composition using MRI
• The specific organ being analyzed
• Date and time of the procedure
• Details of the data acquisition and preparation process
• Interpretation of the results
• Preparation of a report

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0649T, ensure that the procedure involves the quantitative analysis of tissue composition using MRI for a single organ. It is important to report this code in addition to the primary procedure code. Do not report code 0649T in conjunction with codes 0648T, 0697T, or 0698T when evaluating the same organ, gland, tissue, or target structure.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0649T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on July 1, 2021. The code represents the quantitative analysis of tissue composition using MRI and has not undergone any updates since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a quantitative analysis of tissue composition using MRI for a patient with liver disease.
2. Using MRI, a provider quantitatively analyzes tissue composition in the brain of a patient with multiple sclerosis.
3. A provider utilizes MRI to perform a quantitative analysis of tissue composition in the heart of a patient with cardiomyopathy.
4. For a patient with kidney disease, a provider performs a quantitative analysis of tissue composition using MRI.
5. A provider uses MRI to quantitatively analyze tissue composition in the lungs of a patient with pulmonary fibrosis.
6. Using MRI, a provider performs a quantitative analysis of tissue composition in the breast of a patient with breast cancer.
7. A provider utilizes MRI to quantitatively analyze tissue composition in the prostate of a patient with prostate cancer.
8. For a patient with musculoskeletal disorders, a provider performs a quantitative analysis of tissue composition using MRI.
9. A provider uses MRI to quantitatively analyze tissue composition in the thyroid gland of a patient with thyroid disease.
10. Using MRI, a provider performs a quantitative analysis of tissue composition in the spleen of a patient with splenic abnormalities.