How To Use CPT Code 71555

CPT 71555 describes the diagnostic procedure of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the chest, excluding the myocardium, with or without the use of contrast material. This article will provide an overview of CPT 71555, including its official description, the procedure involved, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 71555?

CPT 71555 is used to describe a diagnostic procedure called magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the chest. This procedure involves the use of magnetic fields and radio waves to visualize the blood vessels in the chest, excluding the myocardium. The provider may choose to use contrast material during the procedure to enhance the visibility of the blood vessels.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 71555 is: ‘Magnetic resonance angiography, chest (excluding myocardium), with or without contrast material(s).’ This code specifically refers to the imaging of the blood vessels in the chest, excluding the heart muscle.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned in a supine position or lying flat on a narrow table.
2. The scanning table slides the patient’s body into a large tunnel-shaped magnetic scanner.
3. The patient is instructed to hold their breath and remain still while the images of the chest are taken.
4. The provider may choose to administer contrast material intravenously, depending on the situation.
5. The radiofrequency signals generated by the body are captured, and a series of images of the chest 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 71555 is used when the provider performs magnetic resonance angiography of the chest, excluding the myocardium. This procedure is typically performed to evaluate the blood vessels for occlusion, stenosis, or aneurysm. It is important to note that the provider does not image the heart muscle during this procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 71555

CPT code 71555 should be used when the provider performs magnetic resonance angiography of the chest, excluding the myocardium. This code is appropriate when the purpose of the procedure is to evaluate the blood vessels in the chest for any abnormalities or conditions such as occlusion, stenosis, or aneurysm. It is important to note that this code should not be used if the provider images the myocardium or if the procedure is performed for a different anatomical area.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 71555, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure
• Use of contrast material, if applicable
• Date and time of the procedure
• Specific findings and interpretation of the images
• Written report of the findings

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 71555, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed is magnetic resonance angiography of the chest, excluding the myocardium. If the provider administers contrast material, it should be reported separately using the appropriate codes. It is also important to follow payer guidelines regarding the reporting of professional and technical components, as well as any specific requirements for reporting contrast material.

8. Historical information

CPT 71555 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes magnetic resonance angiography of the chest to evaluate for possible stenosis in the blood vessels.
2. A provider performs magnetic resonance angiography of the chest to assess for an aneurysm in the blood vessels.
3. A patient with a history of occlusion in the blood vessels undergoes magnetic resonance angiography of the chest to monitor the condition.
4. A provider orders magnetic resonance angiography of the chest to evaluate the blood vessels for any abnormalities in a patient with suspected vascular disease.
5. A patient undergoes magnetic resonance angiography of the chest to assess the blood vessels prior to a surgical procedure.
6. A provider performs magnetic resonance angiography of the chest to evaluate the effectiveness of a previous treatment for a vascular condition.
7. A patient with a family history of aneurysms undergoes magnetic resonance angiography of the chest as a preventive measure.
8. A provider orders magnetic resonance angiography of the chest to investigate the cause of chest pain in a patient.
9. A patient with a known stenosis in the blood vessels undergoes magnetic resonance angiography of the chest to monitor the progression of the condition.
10. A provider performs magnetic resonance angiography of the chest to assess the blood vessels in a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism.