© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a sophisticated imaging technique that allows for the assessment of biochemical processes within the body, particularly in the context of spinal health. This procedure is specifically designed to identify and localize discogenic pain, which is pain originating from the intervertebral discs in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions of the spine. By acquiring single voxel data from at least three discs, MRS can analyze various biomarkers that are indicative of disc health and degeneration. These biomarkers include lactic acid, carbohydrates, alanine, propionic acid, proteoglycan, and collagen, each of which plays a crucial role in understanding the biochemical environment of the discs. The significance of MRS lies in its ability to provide a noninvasive evaluation of disc integrity and the biochemical changes associated with pain. Chronic low back pain, a prevalent condition affecting millions globally, often leads to significant disability and is a common reason for opioid prescriptions. MRS helps in quantifying the degree of degeneration by measuring the concentrations of specific metabolites, which can inform treatment decisions and predict surgical outcomes. The technique leverages the unique resonant frequencies of different molecules when subjected to a strong magnetic field, allowing for the differentiation of various chemical structures. This detailed analysis aids in calculating the potential for pain based on the ratios of these biomarkers, thereby enhancing the understanding of disc disease severity and progression.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is indicated for the evaluation of discogenic pain, which may arise from degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs. The following conditions and symptoms may warrant the use of this procedure:
The procedure for magnetic resonance spectroscopy involves several critical steps to ensure accurate data acquisition and analysis. The following outlines the procedural steps:
Following the magnetic resonance spectroscopy procedure, patients may be monitored briefly to ensure there are no immediate adverse effects from the imaging process. The results of the MRS will be analyzed using specialized software, and the findings will be documented for further review. The interpretation of the data will provide insights into the biochemical status of the discs, which can inform treatment decisions and potential surgical interventions. Patients may be advised on follow-up appointments to discuss the results and any necessary next steps in their care plan.
| Short Descr | MRS DISC PAIN ACQUISJ DATA | Medium Descr | MRS DISCOGENIC PAIN ACQUISJ SINGLE VOXEL DATA | Long Descr | Magnetic resonance spectroscopy, determination and localization of discogenic pain (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar); acquisition of single voxel data, per disc, on biomarkers (ie, lactic acid, carbohydrate, alanine, laal, propionic acid, proteoglycan, and collagen) in at least 3 discs | Status Code | Carriers Price the Code | Global Days | YYY - Carrier Determines Whether Global Concept Applies | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Codes That May Be Paid Through a Composite APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Radiology service paid separately when provided integral to a surgical procedure on ASC list; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | 1 |
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| 2021-01-01 | Added | First appearance of code in code book. |
| 2020-07-01 | Added | Code added. |
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