How To Use CPT Code 71551

CPT 71551 describes the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast material to evaluate hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy in the chest. 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 71551?

CPT 71551 is used to describe the diagnostic procedure of performing an MRI of the chest with contrast material. This procedure is specifically used to evaluate hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy, which involves the enlargement of lymph nodes in the lung roots or in the mediastinum between the lungs. The MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to visualize the internal organs and tissues of the chest, helping to diagnose and manage diseases.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 71551 is: ‘Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, chest (eg, for evaluation of hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy); with contrast material(s).’ This code specifically refers to the use of MRI with contrast material to evaluate lymphadenopathy in the chest.

3. Procedure

1. In this diagnostic procedure, the patient is positioned in a supine position on a narrow table.
2. The scanning table slides the patient’s whole body into a large tunnel-shaped magnetic scanner.
3. The patient is instructed to hold their breath and remain still while the MRI images of the chest are taken.
4. Contrast material is injected to improve the visibility of internal structures.
5. The radiofrequency signals generated by the body are captured, and a series of images are generated by the computer.
6. The provider reviews the images, analyzes them, and interprets the results.
7. A written report of the findings is prepared by the provider.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 71551 is used when an MRI of the chest with contrast material is performed specifically to evaluate hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. This procedure is typically performed by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a radiologist, and requires the use of contrast material to enhance the visibility of internal structures.

5. When to use CPT code 71551

CPT code 71551 should be used when an MRI of the chest with contrast material is performed specifically for the evaluation of hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. It is important to note that this code should not be used when the MRI does not involve the use of contrast material or when the MRI is performed for other purposes unrelated to lymphadenopathy in the chest.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 71551, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Indication for the MRI, specifically the evaluation of hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy
• Use of contrast material during the procedure
• Date and time of the MRI
• Specific findings and interpretations of the MRI images
• Preparation of a written report by the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 71551, it is important to ensure that the procedure involves the use of contrast material and is specifically performed for the evaluation of hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. It should not be reported if the MRI does not involve contrast material or if it is performed for other purposes unrelated to lymphadenopathy in the chest. Additionally, it is important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by individual payers and to appropriately append modifiers if necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 71551 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 radiologist performing an MRI of the chest with contrast material to evaluate hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy in a patient with suspected lung cancer.
2. A pulmonologist ordering an MRI of the chest with contrast material to assess the extent of lymphadenopathy in a patient with a known lymphoma.
3. An oncologist requesting an MRI of the chest with contrast material to evaluate the response to treatment in a patient with metastatic breast cancer.
4. A thoracic surgeon scheduling an MRI of the chest with contrast material to assess the presence of lymphadenopathy in a patient being considered for surgery.
5. A primary care physician referring a patient for an MRI of the chest with contrast material to investigate the cause of persistent cough and enlarged lymph nodes.
6. A hematologist ordering an MRI of the chest with contrast material to evaluate the presence of lymphadenopathy in a patient with a suspected hematologic malignancy.
7. A radiology technician performing an MRI of the chest with contrast material to assess the lymph nodes in a patient with a recent history of tuberculosis.
8. A cardiothoracic surgeon requesting an MRI of the chest with contrast material to evaluate the extent of lymphadenopathy in a patient with suspected cardiac sarcoidosis.
9. An interventional radiologist performing an MRI of the chest with contrast material to guide a biopsy of enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes.
10. A pulmonologist ordering an MRI of the chest with contrast material to evaluate the response to treatment in a patient with sarcoidosis.