How To Use CPT Code 70547

CPT 70547 describes the procedure of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the vessels in the neck and surrounding areas without the use of contrast material. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 70547?

CPT 70547 can be used to describe the procedure of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the vessels in the neck and surrounding areas without the use of contrast material. This code is used when the provider performs the MRA examination using radio waves and a magnetic field to produce high-resolution three-dimensional images of the blood flow in the neck vessels.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 70547 is: ‘Magnetic resonance angiography, neck; without contrast material(s).’ This code specifically refers to the MRA procedure performed on the vessels in the neck without the administration of contrast material.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned on the examination table and instructed to lie still.
2. The provider places devices that can transmit radio waves adjacent to the neck area.
3. An electric current is passed through the devices to generate a magnetic field.
4. The magnetic field interacts with the body’s natural magnetic properties, producing signals that are captured by the devices.
5. The captured data is processed by a computer to create high-resolution three-dimensional images of the blood vessels in the neck.
6. The provider interprets the images to assess the blood flow and detect any abnormalities or irregularities.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 70547 is used for patients who require a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the neck vessels without the use of contrast material. This procedure is typically performed to evaluate the blood flow and detect any vascular irregularities or conditions such as aneurysms or blood clots. The absence of contrast material distinguishes this code from other MRA procedures that involve the administration of contrast.

5. When to use CPT code 70547

CPT code 70547 should be used when the provider performs a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the neck vessels without the use of contrast material. This code is appropriate when the examination focuses solely on the blood flow in the neck and surrounding areas, without the need for contrast-enhanced imaging.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 70547, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the MRA procedure
• Confirmation that the procedure was performed without the use of contrast material
• Date and time of the procedure
• Interpretation of the images and any findings
• Signature of the interpreting provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 70547, ensure that the procedure was performed without the use of contrast material. This code should not be reported if contrast material was administered during the MRA procedure. It is important to follow payer guidelines regarding the reporting of contrast material separately, if applicable. Modifier TC may be appended to indicate the technical component of the service, and modifier 26 may be appended to indicate the professional component, if applicable.

8. Historical information

CPT 70547 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2001. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the neck vessels without the use of contrast material to assess blood flow and detect any vascular abnormalities.
2. A provider performs an MRA of the neck vessels without contrast to evaluate the blood flow in a patient with a suspected aneurysm.
3. A magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the neck vessels is performed without contrast to investigate potential blood clot formation in a patient.
4. A provider uses MRA without contrast to assess the blood flow in the neck vessels of a patient with a history of vascular disease.
5. An MRA of the neck vessels without contrast is performed to evaluate the blood flow in a patient with symptoms of carotid artery stenosis.
6. A provider orders an MRA of the neck vessels without contrast to assess the blood flow in a patient with a suspected vascular malformation.
7. A patient undergoes an MRA of the neck vessels without contrast to evaluate the blood flow in the carotid arteries prior to a surgical procedure.
8. A provider performs an MRA of the neck vessels without contrast to assess the blood flow in a patient with a history of neck trauma.
9. An MRA of the neck vessels without contrast is performed to investigate potential vascular abnormalities in a patient with unexplained symptoms.
10. A provider orders an MRA of the neck vessels without contrast to evaluate the blood flow in a patient with a suspected arterial dissection.