Basics for MRA CPT code 73225 & 73725
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that specifically visualizes blood vessels and blood flow to evaluate vascular disorders within the structure being studied. Unlike CT, it does not rely on the absorption of x-ray energy. Magnetic resonance imaging uses the natural magnetic properties of the hydrogen atoms in our bodies that emit radiofrequency signals when exposed to radio waves within a strong electro-magnetic field. These signals are processed and converted by the computer into high-resolution, three-dimensional tomographic images. Patients with metallic or electronic implants or foreign bodies cannot be exposed to MRI. The patient must remain still while lying on a motorized table within the large, circular MRI tunnel. A sedative may be administered as well as contrast material for image enhancement. CPT code 73225 & 73725 are used for coding MRA upper and lower extremity exams.
MRA of the upper extremity includes the axillary, deep brachial, radial, ulnar, deep palmar arch and superficial palmar arch arteries and veins.
MRA of the lower extremity includes the femoral, deep femoral, popliteal, anterior tibial, peroneal, and posterior tibial arteries.
Clinical Indication for MRA upper & Lower extermity exams
- Poorly functioning dialysis graft
- pre or post-operative evaluation
- pseudoaneurysm, Raynaud’s syndrome
- tumor
- AVM, arterial entrapment syndrome
- chronic arm pain
- ulcers
- gangrene
- significant claudication
- peripheral artery disease
- pre-surgical revascularization work-up
- atherosclerosis
- embolism
- thrombosis
- popliteal entrapment syndrome
- iatrogenic injury
- inflammation
Description of CPT code 73225 & 73725
73225 Magnetic resonance angiography, upper extremity, with or without contrast material(s) (physician only, not for hospital use)
73725 Magnetic resonance angiography, lower extremity, with or without contrast material(s) (physician only, not for hospital use)
C8912 Magnetic resonance angiography with contrast, lower extremity (hospital only, not for physician use)
C8913 Magnetic resonance angiography without contrast, lower extremity (hospital only, not for physician use)
C8914 Magnetic resonance angiography without contrast followed by with contrast, lower extremity (hospital only, not for physician use)
C8934 Magnetic resonance angiography with contrast, upper extremity
C8935 Magnetic resonance angiography without contrast, upper extremity
C8936 Magnetic resonance angiography without contrast followed by with contrast, upper extremity
Do and Don’t with CPT code 73225 & 73725
- Do not report code 73225 for hospital billing to Medicare. Hospitals use codes C8934-C8936 based on the use of contrast material.
- Code 73225 is unilateral. Report it twice with modifier -XS appended to one code when bilateral upper extremity imaging is performed. When covered by Medicare, the physician fee schedule indicates that only one procedure will be reimbursed when anatomical modifiers are used. There are no MUEs assigned for code 73225. This is probably due to its restricted coverage. Codes C8934-C8936 are assigned an MUE of 2.
- Codes C8912-C8914 are assigned an MUE of 1, so a -50 modifier must be appended when bilateral studies are performed.
- Do not report code 73725 for hospital billing to Medicare. Hospitals use codes C8912-C8914 based on the use of contrast material.
- Code 73725 is unilateral. Report it twice with modifier -XS appended to one code when bilateral upper extremity imaging is performed. The MUE is 2
- Codes C8934-C8936 are assigned an MUE of 2, so bilateral procedures can be reported as two unilateral studies if desired.
