Basics of Cardiac MRI CPT codes

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) refers to imaging of the heart utilizing magnetic resonance imaging, a modality utilizing a combination of radiofrequency impulses and magnetic fields to stimulate and record information from the protons in the body.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of the structures within and around the heart. Cardiac MRI is used to detect or monitor cardiac disease and to evaluate the heart’s anatomy and function in patients with both heart disease present at birth and heart diseases that develop after birth. Cardiac MRI does not use ionizing radiation to produce images, and it may provide the best images of the heart for certain conditions.

Cardiac MRI not only evaluates the cardiac anatomy but also provides physiologic information. Static images are combined with dynamic functional images to provide a complete assessment of morphology and cardiac function. Paramagnetic contrast material may or may not be injected during the MRI procedure. Coronary artery MRI is currently excluded and non-covered by CMS.

Clinical Indications for Cardiac Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) CPT codes

• Cardiomyopathy
• Valvular Heart Disease
• Congenital heart disease
• Ischemic heart disease
• Post-myocardial infarction status
• Pericardial heart disease
• Cardiac tumors or massess

Description of CPT codes for Cardiac MRI

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. Imaging is performed by obtaining tomographic cuts from the base to the apex and/or the interior to the posterior in order to interrogate the entire heart. Function studies may include observation of the atria and/or ventricles, qualitative and quantitative assessment of ventricular function, and obtaining numerical values for ejection fraction (EF) ventricular volumes, ventricular mass, and cardiac output.

Use CPT code 75557 for observation of the cardiac function and morphology without administration of a contrast agent. Use CPT code 75559 if stress imaging is included. Following dobutamine injection, which mimics the effects of exercise on the heart and induces ischemia, the physician evaluates the left ventricular wall’s ability to move during physical stress.

Use CPT code 75561 for observation of cardiac function and morphology. Use CPT code 75563 if stress imaging is included. Following dobutamine injection, which mimics the effects of exercise on the heart and induces ischemia, the physician evaluates the left ventricular wall’s ability to move during physical stress. If velocity flow mapping is performed, use CPT code 75565 in addition to the code for the primary procedure.

75557  Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for morphology and function without contrast material        

75559 Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for morphology and function without contrast material; with stress imaging

75561 Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for morphology and function without contrast material(s), followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences                          

75563 Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for morphology and function without contrast material(s), followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences; with stress imaging 

+75565 Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for velocity flow mapping (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)                        

76498 Unlisted magnetic resonance procedure (eg, diagnostic, interventional)           

A continuous recording of electrical activity of the heart is acquired by an assistant supervised by a qualified health care professional while the patient is exercising on a treadmill or bicycle and/or given medicines. The stress on the heart during the test is monitored. CPT Code 93015 includes the test, supervision, and interpretation of the report; CPT code 93016 includes only the supervision of the test; CPT code 93017 includes performing the test only; and CPT code 93018 is reported for the interpretation of a previously performed test       

93015 Cardiovascular stress test using maximal or submaximal treadmill or bicycle exercise, continuous electrocardiographic monitoring, and/or pharmacological stress; with physician supervision, with interpretation and report   

93016 Cardiovascular stress test using maximal or submaximal treadmill or bicycle exercise, continuous electrocardiographic monitoring, and/or pharmacological stress; physician supervision only, without interpretation and report            

93017 Cardiovascular stress test using maximal or submaximal treadmill or bicycle exercise, continuous electrocardiographic monitoring, and/or pharmacological stress; tracing only, without interpretation and report

93018 Cardiovascular stress test using maximal or submaximal treadmill or bicycle exercise, continuous electrocardiographic monitoring, and/or pharmacological stress; interpretation and report only           

HCPCS codes used with Cardiac MRI CPT codes

A9575 Injection, gatoterate meglumine, 0.1 ml                 

A9576 Injection, gadoteridol (ProHance multipack), per ml                          

A9577 Injection, gadobenate dimeglumine (MultiHance), per ml                              

A9578 Injection, gadobenate dimeglumine (MultiHance multipack), per ml                         

A9579 Injection, gadolinium based magnetic resonance contrast agent, not otherwise specified, per ml

A9581 Injection, gadoxetate disodium, 1 ml                        

A9583 Injection, gadofosveset trisodium, 1 ml                   

A9585 Injection, gadobutrol, 0.1 ml                         

J0153 Injection, adenosine, 1 mg (not to be used to report any adenosine phosphate compounds)         

J0395 Injection, Arbutamine HCl, 1 mg                   

J1245 Injection, Dipyridamole, per 10 mg                             

J1250 Injection, Dobutamine hydrochloride, per 250 mg