How To Use CPT Code 71550

CPT 71550 describes the diagnostic procedure of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the chest without the use of contrast material. 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 71550?

CPT 71550 can be used to describe the diagnostic procedure of MRI of the chest without the use of contrast material. This code is used when a healthcare provider performs an MRI study of the chest to detect diseases or abnormalities in the internal organs, such as hilar or mediastinal lymphadenopathy.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 71550 is: ‘Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, chest (eg, for evaluation of hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy); without contrast material(s).’ This code does not include the use of any contrast material during the procedure.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider positions the patient in a supine position on a narrow table that slides into a large tunnel-shaped scanner.
2. The patient is instructed to hold their breath and remain still while the MRI images of the chest are taken.
3. The MRI machine generates radiofrequency signals from the patient’s body, which are used to create a series of images of the chest.
4. The provider reviews the images, analyzes them, and interprets the results.
5. A written report of the findings is prepared by the provider.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 71550 is used for patients who require a diagnostic MRI of the chest without the use of contrast material. This procedure is typically performed to evaluate diseases or abnormalities in the hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes, or other internal organs in the chest. The patient may have symptoms or a medical history that necessitates further evaluation through an MRI.

5. When to use CPT code 71550

CPT code 71550 should be used when a healthcare provider performs an MRI of the chest without the use of contrast material. This code is appropriate for diagnostic purposes when evaluating diseases or abnormalities in the chest, such as hilar or mediastinal lymphadenopathy. If contrast material is used during the procedure, a different CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 71550, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the MRI of the chest without contrast material
• Date and time of the procedure
• Details of the findings and interpretation of the images
• Written report of the results

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 71550, ensure that the procedure performed is an MRI of the chest without the use of contrast material. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the use of modifiers and reporting of contrast material, if applicable.

8. Historical information

CPT 71550 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with suspected mediastinal lymphadenopathy undergoes an MRI of the chest without contrast material to evaluate the lymph nodes.
2. An individual with a history of lung cancer undergoes an MRI of the chest without contrast material to monitor the progression of the disease.
3. A patient with unexplained chest pain undergoes an MRI of the chest without contrast material to identify any potential abnormalities.
4. An individual with a known pulmonary embolism undergoes an MRI of the chest without contrast material to assess the response to treatment.
5. A patient with a suspected thoracic aortic aneurysm undergoes an MRI of the chest without contrast material to evaluate the size and extent of the aneurysm.
6. An individual with a history of sarcoidosis undergoes an MRI of the chest without contrast material to monitor the disease progression.
7. A patient with suspected lung metastases undergoes an MRI of the chest without contrast material to assess the presence and extent of the metastases.
8. An individual with a suspected pulmonary infection undergoes an MRI of the chest without contrast material to identify any potential infectious processes.
9. A patient with a known pulmonary nodule undergoes an MRI of the chest without contrast material to evaluate the characteristics of the nodule.
10. An individual with a history of asbestos exposure undergoes an MRI of the chest without contrast material to screen for any asbestos-related lung diseases.