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Official Description

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for morphology and function without contrast material(s), followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences;

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is a sophisticated imaging technique that utilizes a powerful magnet, radiofrequencies, and advanced computer technology to generate detailed images of the heart's structure and function. The procedure begins without the use of contrast material, allowing for an initial assessment of the heart's morphology and function. This initial phase is crucial for evaluating the heart's anatomy, including the heart chambers, valves, and major blood vessels. CMR is particularly valuable in diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and other progressive heart diseases. Following the initial imaging, contrast material is administered to enhance the visibility of the heart's structures, allowing for a more comprehensive evaluation. The use of contrast helps in identifying areas of damage or disease that may not be visible in the initial images. The procedure is meticulously supervised to ensure that the necessary anatomical imaging planes are obtained, and any additional sequences required for a thorough assessment are performed. The images captured during the procedure are then reviewed and interpreted, providing critical information regarding the heart's function, including biventricular function and ejection fraction, as well as any abnormalities in wall motion. The entire process culminates in a detailed report that outlines the findings, which is essential for developing or adjusting treatment plans for patients with cardiovascular issues.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) procedure is indicated for a variety of cardiovascular assessments, including:

  • Evaluation of Coronary Artery Disease - CMR is utilized to diagnose and manage coronary artery disease by assessing the heart's structure and function.
  • Assessment of Heart Attack Damage - The procedure helps determine the extent of damage caused by a heart attack, providing critical information for treatment planning.
  • Monitoring of Progressive Heart Disease - CMR is used to monitor the progression of heart disease and evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing treatment.
  • Evaluation of Heart Function - The imaging technique assesses biventricular function, including ejection fraction and wall motion abnormalities.
  • Diagnosis of Structural Heart Disorders - CMR aids in diagnosing various structural heart disorders by providing detailed images of the heart and major vessels.

2. Procedure

The cardiac magnetic resonance imaging procedure involves several key steps to ensure comprehensive evaluation of the heart's morphology and function:

  • Initial Imaging Without Contrast - The procedure begins with the acquisition of initial images of the heart without the use of contrast material. This phase focuses on capturing the heart's morphology and function, allowing for a preliminary assessment of the anatomical structures.
  • Review of Initial Images - After obtaining the initial images, the technician reviews them to determine if additional imaging planes or sequences are necessary for a complete evaluation. This step is crucial for ensuring that all relevant anatomical details are captured.
  • Use of Independent Workstation - An independent workstation is employed to supervise the imaging process and create reconstructions of the heart's anatomy. This includes adjustments and enhancements to optimize visualization of the structures and identify any areas of disease.
  • Administration of Contrast Material - Following the initial imaging, intravenous contrast media is administered to enhance the visibility of the heart's structures. This step allows for a more detailed assessment of any abnormalities that may not have been visible in the initial images.
  • Acquisition of Post-Contrast Images - Additional images are obtained after the administration of contrast material. These images are reviewed, adjusted, and enhanced to ensure optimal visualization of the heart's anatomy and function.
  • Interpretation of Images - The source and reformatted images, including motion review for structural findings, are interpreted. This includes evaluating biventricular function, ejection fraction, and any wall motion abnormalities, as well as comparing findings with any available prior studies.
  • Report Generation - A dictated report of the findings is generated, summarizing the results of the imaging study. This report is essential for guiding further clinical decision-making and treatment planning.

3. Post-Procedure

After the cardiac magnetic resonance imaging procedure, patients may be monitored briefly to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions to the contrast material. The results of the imaging study are compiled into a detailed report, which is then provided to the referring physician. This report includes findings related to the heart's structure and function, any identified abnormalities, and recommendations for further evaluation or treatment if necessary. Patients can typically resume normal activities immediately following the procedure, as there are no significant recovery requirements associated with CMR. However, it is important for patients to follow any specific instructions provided by their healthcare provider regarding follow-up care or additional testing.

Short Descr CARDIAC MRI FOR MORPH W/DYE
Medium Descr CARDIAC MRI W/WO CONTRAST & FURTHER SEQ
Long Descr Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for morphology and function without contrast material(s), followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences;
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services
Multiple Procedures (51) 4 - Special payment adjustment rules on the technical component (TC) of multiple diagnostic imaging 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 88 -
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.
Type of Service (TOS) 4 - Diagnostic Radiology
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) I2D - Advanced imaging - MRI/MRA: other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 198 - Magnetic resonance imaging

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

0649T Add-on Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC S 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)
0698T Add-on Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC S ASC Z2 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); multiple organs (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
75565 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for velocity flow mapping (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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.
ME The order for this service adheres to appropriate use criteria in the clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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
MG The order for this service does not have applicable appropriate use criteria in the qualified clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional
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
QQ Ordering professional consulted a qualified clinical decision support mechanism for this service and the related data was provided to the furnishing professional
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
MF The order for this service does not adhere to the appropriate use criteria in the clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
MC Ordering professional is not required to consult a clinical decision support mechanism due to the significant hardship exception of electronic health record or clinical decision support mechanism vendor issues
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
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.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
MA Ordering professional is not required to consult a clinical decision support mechanism due to service being rendered to a patient with a suspected or confirmed emergency medical condition
MB Ordering professional is not required to consult a clinical decision support mechanism due to the significant hardship exception of insufficient internet access
MD Ordering professional is not required to consult a clinical decision support mechanism due to the significant hardship exception of extreme and uncontrollable circumstances
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
2010-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2008-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2008.
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