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Quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR) is a sophisticated imaging technique designed for the analysis of tissue composition, including fat, iron, water content, and other components within a specific organ or tissue. This method offers enhanced precision compared to traditional imaging studies, such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), making it particularly valuable in various clinical scenarios. QMR is instrumental in detecting subtle changes in body composition, which can be critical for evaluating the effectiveness of medical treatments, nutritional interventions, and monitoring chronic diseases. Additionally, it aids in assessing growth patterns or changes in the target area over time.
The QMR technique leverages the unique nuclear magnetic resonance properties of hydrogen atoms found in different types of tissues. By utilizing these properties, QMR can differentiate between signals originating from fat, lean tissue, bone, and water. During the procedure, the patient is positioned on a rolling bed that moves into a specialized square bore chamber, which is enveloped by a resistive electromagnet. This magnet creates a static, low-intensity magnetic field that is essential for the imaging process. Radiofrequency pulses are then directed at the target tissue, stimulating the hydrogen nuclei within the magnetic field. As these nuclei relax, they emit electromagnetic signals that reflect their surrounding environment. These signals are captured and processed to extract quantitative data, which is further analyzed through algorithms to produce parametric mapping of the tissue composition.
Following the data acquisition, all metrics are meticulously reviewed and interpreted, often in comparison to previous studies, to ensure accuracy and relevance. A comprehensive report is generated, detailing the findings of the QMR analysis. Additionally, separate MRI sequences of the target organ(s) are performed to evaluate any potential changes or lesions. It is important to report CPT® Code 0649T for single organ QMR analysis of tissue composition in conjunction with a diagnostic MRI of the same anatomy during the same session, while CPT® Code 0698T should be reported for multiple organ QMR analysis with diagnostic MRI of the same anatomy. This procedure is billed in addition to the primary procedure, ensuring that all relevant analyses are captured for proper documentation and reimbursement.
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The quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR) procedure is indicated for a variety of clinical scenarios, particularly when detailed analysis of tissue composition is required. The following conditions and situations warrant the use of QMR:
The QMR procedure involves several key steps that ensure accurate analysis of tissue composition. Each step is critical to the overall effectiveness of the imaging process:
Post-procedure care for patients undergoing QMR typically involves monitoring for any immediate reactions to the imaging process. Patients may be advised to resume normal activities unless otherwise directed by their healthcare provider. The results of the QMR analysis, along with the diagnostic MRI findings, will be discussed with the patient in a follow-up appointment. This discussion will include the interpretation of the report and any necessary next steps based on the findings. It is essential for healthcare providers to ensure that patients understand the implications of the results and any potential changes to their treatment plans.
| Short Descr | QUAN MR TISS W/MRI 1ORGN | Medium Descr | QUAN MR ALYS TISS COMPOSITION W/MRI 1ORGN | Long Descr | Quantitative magnetic resonance for analysis of tissue composition (eg, fat, iron, water content), including multiparametric data acquisition, data preparation and transmission, interpretation and report, obtained with diagnostic MRI examination of the same anatomy (eg, organ, gland, tissue, target structure); single organ (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | Status Code | Carriers Price the Code | Global Days | ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services | 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 | Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | 1 |
This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.
| 70540 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, orbit, face, and/or neck; without contrast material(s) | 70542 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z3 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, orbit, face, and/or neck; with contrast material(s) | 70543 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, orbit, face, and/or neck; without contrast material(s), followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences | 70551 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z3 Physician Quality Reporting PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, brain (including brain stem); without contrast material | 70552 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z3 Physician Quality Reporting PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, brain (including brain stem); with contrast material(s) | 70553 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 Physician Quality Reporting PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, brain (including brain stem); without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences | 71550 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, chest (eg, for evaluation of hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy); without contrast material(s) | 71551 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z3 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, chest (eg, for evaluation of hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy); with contrast material(s) | 71552 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article 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 | 72141 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z3 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, spinal canal and contents, cervical; without contrast material | 72142 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z3 PUB 100 Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, spinal canal and contents, cervical; with contrast material(s) | 72146 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z3 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, spinal canal and contents, thoracic; without contrast material | 72147 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z3 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, spinal canal and contents, thoracic; with contrast material(s) | 72148 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z3 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, spinal canal and contents, lumbar; without contrast material | 72149 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z3 PUB 100 Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, spinal canal and contents, lumbar; with contrast material(s) | 72156 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, spinal canal and contents, without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences; cervical | 72157 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, spinal canal and contents, without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences; thoracic | 72158 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, spinal canal and contents, without contrast material, followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences; lumbar | 72195 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, pelvis; without contrast material(s) | 72196 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z3 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, pelvis; with contrast material(s) | 72197 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, pelvis; without contrast material(s), followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences | 73218 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, upper extremity, other than joint; without contrast material(s) | 73219 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, upper extremity, other than joint; with contrast material(s) | 73220 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, upper extremity, other than joint; without contrast material(s), followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences | 73221 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, any joint of upper extremity; without contrast material(s) | 73222 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z3 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, any joint of upper extremity; with contrast material(s) | 73223 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, any joint of upper extremity; without contrast material(s), followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences | 73718 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, lower extremity other than joint; without contrast material(s) | 73719 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z3 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, lower extremity other than joint; with contrast material(s) | 73720 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, lower extremity other than joint; without contrast material(s), followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences | 73721 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, any joint of lower extremity; without contrast material | 73722 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z3 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, any joint of lower extremity; with contrast material(s) | 73723 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, any joint of lower extremity; without contrast material(s), followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences | 74181 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z3 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, abdomen; without contrast material(s) | 74182 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, abdomen; with contrast material(s) | 74183 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, abdomen; without contrast material(s), followed by with contrast material(s) and further sequences | 75557 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 CPT Assistant Article Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for morphology and function without contrast material; | 75559 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z3 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for morphology and function without contrast material; with stress imaging | 75561 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for morphology and function without contrast material(s), followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences; | 75563 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z3 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for morphology and function without contrast material(s), followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences; with stress imaging | 76498 | MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC S ASC Z2 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Unlisted magnetic resonance procedure (eg, diagnostic, interventional) | 77046 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 Magnetic resonance imaging, breast, without contrast material; unilateral | 77047 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 ASC Z2 Magnetic resonance imaging, breast, without contrast material; bilateral | 77048 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC B Magnetic resonance imaging, breast, without and with contrast material(s), including computer-aided detection (CAD real-time lesion detection, characterization and pharmacokinetic analysis), when performed; unilateral | 77049 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC B Magnetic resonance imaging, breast, without and with contrast material(s), including computer-aided detection (CAD real-time lesion detection, characterization and pharmacokinetic analysis), when performed; bilateral |
| 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | MH | Unknown if ordering professional consulted a clinical decision support mechanism for this service, related information was not provided to the furnishing professional or provider | TC | Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles | X5 | Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician |
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| 2022-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2021-07-01 | Added | Code added. |
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