How To Use CPT Code 73725

CPT 73725 describes the use of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to evaluate the arteries in the lower extremities for stenosis or aneurysm. 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 73725?

CPT 73725 is used to describe the performance of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) on the lower extremities. This procedure allows healthcare providers to generate detailed images of the arteries in order to evaluate them for any narrowing or ballooning that may indicate stenosis or aneurysm. It is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create digital images of the blood vessels in the lower extremities.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 73725 is: ‘Magnetic resonance angiography, lower extremity, with or without contrast material(s).’ This code encompasses the use of MRA to visualize the arterial vessels in the lower extremities, with the option to use contrast material to enhance the images if necessary.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned supine on the scanning table.
2. The provider slides the patient’s whole body into a large tunnel-shaped magnetic scanner, ensuring that the lower extremities are inside the strong magnetic field.
3. If necessary, the provider may inject contrast material into the blood vessels to improve the visibility of the arterial structures.
4. The patient is instructed to hold their breath and remain still while the provider takes the images.
5. The scanner captures the radiofrequency signals emitted by the body, and a computer generates a series of digital images that display slices of the lower extremities.
6. A radiology provider reviews and analyzes the images, and prepares a written report of their findings.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 73725 is typically performed on patients who require evaluation of the arterial vessels in their lower extremities. This may be necessary to assess for stenosis (narrowing) or aneurysm (ballooning) in the arteries. The procedure is performed by a radiologic technician, and the images are reviewed and analyzed by a radiology provider. The use of contrast material may be necessary to enhance the visibility of the arterial structures.

5. When to use CPT code 73725

CPT code 73725 should be used when a healthcare provider performs magnetic resonance angiography on the lower extremities to evaluate the arterial vessels for stenosis or aneurysm. It is important to note that this code should not be used for other types of imaging studies or for evaluation of arterial vessels in other parts of the body.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 73725, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure, including the need to evaluate the arterial vessels in the lower extremities for stenosis or aneurysm
• Whether contrast material was used, and if so, the type and amount administered
• Date and time of the procedure
• Any specific findings or abnormalities observed during the imaging study
• Signature of the radiology provider who reviewed and analyzed the images

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 73725, it is important to ensure that the procedure was performed specifically on the lower extremities. If the procedure was performed bilaterally, appropriate modifiers should be used to indicate this. It is also important to follow payer guidelines regarding the use of modifiers for bilateral procedures and the reporting of professional and technical components. Additionally, it is crucial to accurately report the ordered and pre-certified services to ensure proper reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT code 73725 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 lower extremities to evaluate the arterial vessels for stenosis or aneurysm.
2. A radiologic technician performs MRA on a patient’s lower extremities, and a radiology provider reviews and analyzes the images to assess for any abnormalities.
3. Contrast material is administered during the MRA of the lower extremities to enhance the visibility of the arterial structures.
4. A patient with suspected arterial disease undergoes MRA of the lower extremities to determine the extent of the condition.
5. A radiology provider prepares a written report of their findings after reviewing the MRA images of a patient’s lower extremities.
6. A healthcare provider orders MRA of the lower extremities to evaluate a patient’s response to a previous intervention or treatment.
7. A radiologic technician positions a patient supine on the scanning table before performing MRA on their lower extremities.
8. MRA of the lower extremities is performed on a patient to assess the patency of the arterial vessels.
9. A radiology provider uses MRA to visualize the arterial vessels in a patient’s lower extremities and identify any areas of stenosis or aneurysm.
10. During the MRA of the lower extremities, the patient is instructed to hold their breath and remain still to ensure clear images are obtained.