How To Use CPT Code 70544

CPT 70544 is a code for magnetic resonance angiography of the head without contrast material, and this article will cover its description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples.

1. What is CPT 70544?

CPT 70544 is a code used to describe a specific type of medical imaging procedure called magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the head without the use of contrast material. This procedure is performed to visualize the blood vessels in the head and surrounding areas, providing valuable information for diagnosing and treating various medical conditions.

2. 70544 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 70544 is: “Magnetic resonance angiography, head; without contrast material(s)”.

3. Procedure

  1. The patient is positioned on the examination table, usually lying on their back.
  2. Devices that can transmit radio waves are placed adjacent to the head.
  3. The patient is required to lie still as the examination table moves into the tunnel of the MRI machine.
  4. A magnetic field is produced through an electric current in the device.
  5. The generated data is processed by a computer into a series of high-resolution three-dimensional images.
  6. The provider interprets the images to assess the blood vessels in the head and surrounding areas.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who may be eligible to receive CPT code 70544 services include those with suspected or known vascular abnormalities in the head, such as aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, or stenosis. Additionally, patients with symptoms or conditions that may be related to blood flow issues in the brain, such as stroke, transient ischemic attack, or migraine, may also be candidates for this procedure. The provider will determine the appropriateness of using CPT 70544 based on the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and clinical findings.

5. When to use CPT code 70544

It is appropriate to bill the 70544 CPT code when a provider performs an MRA of the head without the use of contrast material. This code should be used when the provider determines that the diagnostic information obtained from the MRA without contrast is sufficient for the patient’s specific clinical situation. In some cases, the provider may decide to perform the MRA with contrast (CPT 70545) or without contrast followed by contrast (CPT 70546) if additional information is needed.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 70544, the provider must document the following information in the patient’s medical record:

  • Indication for the MRA, including the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and clinical findings.
  • Details of the procedure, including the equipment used, patient positioning, and any complications encountered.
  • A description of the blood vessels and surrounding structures visualized during the MRA.
  • The provider’s interpretation of the MRA images, including any identified abnormalities and their clinical significance.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 70544, it is important to follow payer-specific guidelines and rules. Providers who supply contrast may also separately report the contrast using a 99070 supply code or a HCPCS Level II code, depending on the payer’s policies. If only the physician’s interpretation for the radiology service is being reported, professional component modifier 26 should be appended to the radiology code. If only the technical component is being reported, modifier TC should be appended to the radiology code. However, some payer policies may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC. Do not append a professional or technical modifier to the radiology code when reporting a global service in which one provider renders both the professional and technical components.

8. Historical information

CPT 70544 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2001. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 70544

Five similar codes to CPT 70544 include:

  • CPT 70545: This code is used for MRA of the head with contrast material, providing enhanced visualization of blood vessels and surrounding structures.
  • CPT 70546: This code is used for MRA of the head without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences, offering a more comprehensive assessment of the blood vessels.
  • CPT 70547: This code is used for MRA of the neck without contrast material, focusing on the blood vessels in the neck region.
  • CPT 70548: This code is used for MRA of the neck with contrast material, providing enhanced visualization of the neck blood vessels and surrounding structures.
  • CPT 70549: This code is used for MRA of the neck without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences, offering a more comprehensive assessment of the neck blood vessels.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 70544 procedures:

  1. A patient with a history of migraines undergoes an MRA of the head without contrast to evaluate for possible vascular abnormalities.
  2. A patient with a suspected cerebral aneurysm undergoes an MRA of the head without contrast to confirm the diagnosis and assess the size and location of the aneurysm.
  3. A patient with a history of transient ischemic attacks undergoes an MRA of the head without contrast to evaluate for possible arterial stenosis or other vascular abnormalities.
  4. A patient with a known arteriovenous malformation in the brain undergoes an MRA of the head without contrast to monitor the stability of the malformation and assess for any changes.
  5. A patient with a history of stroke undergoes an MRA of the head without contrast to evaluate the blood vessels in the affected area and assess for any residual abnormalities.
  6. A patient with unexplained neurological symptoms undergoes an MRA of the head without contrast to evaluate for possible vascular causes of their symptoms.
  7. A patient with a family history of cerebral aneurysms undergoes an MRA of the head without contrast as a screening tool to assess for the presence of aneurysms.
  8. A patient with a history of head trauma undergoes an MRA of the head without contrast to evaluate for possible vascular injuries or abnormalities related to the trauma.
  9. A patient with a known brain tumor undergoes an MRA of the head without contrast to assess the blood supply to the tumor and surrounding structures.
  10. A patient with a history of vasculitis undergoes an MRA of the head without contrast to evaluate the blood vessels in the brain and assess for any signs of inflammation or damage.

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