How To Use CPT Code 71552

CPT 71552 describes the diagnostic procedure of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the chest. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 71552?

CPT 71552 can be used to describe the diagnostic procedure of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the chest. This code is used when the provider performs an MRI study of the chest without using contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences. The purpose of this procedure is to detect diseases of internal organs in the chest, such as hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 71552 is: ‘Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, chest (eg, for evaluation of hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy); without contrast material(s), followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences.’ This code does not include breast MRI, which has its own set of codes (77046, 77047, 77048, 77049).

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned straight in a supine position or lying flat face up on a narrow table.
2. The scanning table slides the patient’s whole body into a large tunnel-shaped magnetic scanner, placing the patient’s body inside a strong magnetic field.
3. The provider instructs the patient to hold their breath and stay still while the chest images are taken.
4. The provider performs the first set of images without injecting contrast material.
5. The provider then injects contrast material through the patient’s vein and obtains a second set of images.
6. The provider captures the radiofrequency signals generated by the body, and a computer generates a series of images of the chest that display on a monitor.
7. The provider reviews the images, analyzes them, and interprets the results.
8. The provider prepares a written report of their findings.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 71552 is used for the evaluation of hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy, which refers to the enlargement of the lymph nodes in the hilar or lung roots, or in the mediastinum between the lungs. This procedure is performed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology. It does not include the use of contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences.

5. When to use CPT code 71552

CPT code 71552 should be used when the provider performs an MRI study of the chest without using contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences. It is important to note that this code is specific to the evaluation of hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy and should not be used for other indications.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 71552, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the MRI study of the chest
• Whether contrast material was used or not
• Date and time of the procedure
• Details of the images obtained
• Analysis and interpretation of the images
• Written report of the findings

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 71552, ensure that the procedure was performed without using contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences. It is important to use the appropriate CPT code based on the specific procedure performed. Additionally, follow the payer’s guidelines for reporting contrast material separately, if applicable.

8. Historical information

CPT 71552 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 patient undergoes an MRI study of the chest without using contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences to evaluate hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy.
2. A provider performs an MRI of the chest on a patient with suspected lymph node enlargement in the mediastinum, using the specific protocol of CPT 71552.
3. An MRI study of the chest is conducted on a patient to assess the presence of hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy, utilizing the sequence outlined in CPT 71552.
4. A provider uses CPT 71552 to perform an MRI of the chest on a patient with suspected lymph node involvement in the hilar region.
5. A patient undergoes an MRI study of the chest without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences, to evaluate potential lymphadenopathy in the mediastinum, as indicated by CPT 71552.
6. A provider utilizes CPT 71552 to perform an MRI of the chest on a patient with suspected lymph node enlargement in the hilar or mediastinal region.
7. An MRI study of the chest is conducted on a patient to assess the presence of hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy, utilizing the specific protocol described in CPT 71552.
8. A provider performs an MRI of the chest on a patient with suspected lymph node involvement in the mediastinum, using the sequence outlined in CPT 71552.
9. A patient undergoes an MRI study of the chest without using contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences, to evaluate potential lymphadenopathy in the hilar region, as indicated by CPT 71552.
10. A provider utilizes CPT 71552 to perform an MRI of the chest on a patient with suspected lymph node enlargement in the hilar or mediastinal region.