How To Use CPT Code 70545

CPT 70545 describes the use of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) with contrast material to visualize the blood vessels of the head and surrounding areas. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 70545?

CPT 70545 is a code used to describe the performance of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) on the blood vessels of the head and surrounding areas. This procedure involves the use of contrast material to enhance the visibility of internal structures and organs. It is a powerful diagnostic imaging technique that allows providers to detect aneurysms, blood clots, and other vascular irregularities.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 70545 is: ‘Magnetic resonance angiography, head; with contrast material(s).’ This code specifically refers to the use of MRA with contrast material to visualize the blood vessels of the head and surrounding areas.

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the patient is required to lie still on the examination table inside the MRI machine.
2. Contrast material is administered to the patient, either orally or intravenously, to improve the visibility of the blood vessels.
3. Devices that can transmit radio waves are placed adjacent to the patient’s head.
4. An electric current is passed through the devices, creating a magnetic field.
5. The magnetic field generates data, which is then processed by a computer into high-resolution three-dimensional images.
6. The provider interprets these images to assess the condition of the blood vessels and detect any abnormalities.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 70545 is used when a provider performs MRA of the head and surrounding areas using contrast material. The contrast material can be administered orally or intravenously to enhance the visibility of the blood vessels. It is important to note that the contrast must be intravascular, intraarticular, or intrathecal to qualify for this code.

5. When to use CPT code 70545

CPT code 70545 should be used when a provider performs MRA of the head and surrounding areas with the use of contrast material. This code is appropriate when the contrast material is administered intravascularly, intraarticularly, or intrathecally. It is important to ensure that the documentation supports the use of contrast material and specifies the areas being imaged.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 70545, the provider must document the following information:

• Administration of contrast material, specifying whether it was administered orally or intravenously
• Areas imaged, including the blood vessels of the head and surrounding areas
• Date and time of the procedure
• Any abnormalities or findings observed during the procedure
• Interpretation of the images by the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 70545, it is important to ensure that the documentation supports the use of contrast material and specifies the areas being imaged. If the provider administers contrast material orally or rectally, the service should be reported as without contrast. It is also important to check individual payer policies for coverage and reportable supply codes related to contrast material.

8. Historical information

CPT 70545 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2001. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs magnetic resonance angiography of the head with contrast material to visualize the blood vessels and detects an aneurysm.
2. During an MRA procedure, the provider administers contrast material intravenously to enhance the visibility of the blood vessels and identifies a blood clot in the head.
3. A patient undergoes MRA of the head with contrast material, and the provider detects a vascular irregularity in the surrounding areas.
4. Using contrast material, a provider performs MRA of the head and identifies a blockage in the blood vessels.
5. During an MRA procedure, the provider administers contrast material orally to improve the visibility of the blood vessels and detects an abnormality in the head.
6. A patient undergoes MRA of the head with contrast material, and the provider identifies a malformed blood vessel in the surrounding areas.
7. A provider performs MRA of the head with contrast material and detects an aneurysm in the blood vessels.
8. During an MRA procedure, the provider administers contrast material intravenously to enhance the visibility of the blood vessels and identifies a blood clot in the head.
9. A patient undergoes MRA of the head with contrast material, and the provider detects a vascular irregularity in the surrounding areas.
10. Using contrast material, a provider performs MRA of the head and identifies a blockage in the blood vessels.