How To Use CPT Code 73718

CPT 73718 refers to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure of the lower extremity other than a joint 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 examples of CPT 73718 procedures.

1. What is CPT 73718?

CPT 73718 is a diagnostic procedure code used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lower extremity other than a joint without the use of contrast material. MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to visualize body tissues for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of diseases. This code specifically applies to MRI scans of the lower extremity, excluding joints, and without the use of contrast material.

2. 73718 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 73718 is: “Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, lower extremity other than joint; without contrast material(s)”.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned on the scanning table.
2. The scanning table slides the patient’s whole body into the large tunnel-shaped magnetic scanner, ensuring the lower extremities are within the strong magnetic field.
3. The technician instructs the patient to hold their breath and remain still while the machine captures images.
4. Radiofrequency signals generated by the body are captured by the MRI machine.
5. The computer generates a series of images displaying slices of the lower extremity.
6. The radiology provider views the images, performs a diagnostic interpretation, and prepares a written report of their findings.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT code 73718 services are those who require an MRI of the lower extremity other than a joint for diagnostic purposes. This may include patients with suspected or confirmed soft tissue injuries, tumors, infections, or other conditions affecting the lower extremity that require further evaluation and diagnosis. The referring provider must determine the medical necessity for the MRI and provide a written order for the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 73718

CPT code 73718 should be used when billing for an MRI of the lower extremity other than a joint without the use of contrast material. This code is appropriate when the provider has determined that an MRI without contrast is sufficient for diagnostic purposes and when the area of interest does not include a joint. The code should be used in accordance with the referring provider’s written order and the medical necessity of the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 73718, the following information should be documented:

• A written order from the referring provider specifying the need for an MRI of the lower extremity other than a joint without contrast material.
• Medical necessity for the procedure, including relevant patient history, symptoms, and physical examination findings.
• A detailed description of the MRI procedure, including patient positioning, instructions, and image acquisition.
• The radiology provider’s diagnostic interpretation and written report of the MRI findings.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 73718, it is essential to follow payer-specific guidelines and rules. Some general tips include:

• Ensure that the billed code matches the ordered and, if applicable, pre-certified services.
• Append professional component modifier 26 to the radiology code when reporting only the physician’s interpretation of the radiology service.
• Append technical component modifier TC to the radiology code when reporting only the technical component of the radiology service, unless payer policy exempts hospitals from this requirement.
• Do not append a professional or technical modifier to the radiology code when reporting a global service in which one provider renders both the professional and technical components.

8. Historical information

CPT 73718 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2001. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 73718

Five similar codes to CPT 73718 and how they differ are:

• CPT 73719: This code is used for an MRI of the lower extremity other than a joint with the use of contrast material.
• CPT 73720: This code is used for an MRI of the lower extremity other than a joint, first without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences.
• CPT 73721: This code is used for an MRI of any lower extremity joint without contrast material.
• CPT 73722: This code is used for an MRI of any lower extremity joint with contrast material.
• CPT 73723: This code is used for an MRI of any lower extremity joint, first without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 73718 procedures:

1. An MRI of the lower leg without contrast to evaluate a suspected soft tissue tumor.
2. An MRI of the calf without contrast to assess a suspected muscle tear.
3. An MRI of the lower extremity without contrast to evaluate a suspected compartment syndrome.
4. An MRI of the thigh without contrast to assess for a suspected hematoma.
5. An MRI of the lower leg without contrast to evaluate a suspected stress fracture.
6. An MRI of the lower extremity without contrast to assess for suspected vascular malformations.
7. An MRI of the calf without contrast to evaluate a suspected deep vein thrombosis.
8. An MRI of the lower leg without contrast to assess for suspected nerve entrapment.
9. An MRI of the thigh without contrast to evaluate a suspected infection in the soft tissues.
10. An MRI of the lower extremity without contrast to assess for suspected lymphedema.