2025 CPT code 0649T
(Invalid) Effective Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Radiology - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Feed
Quantitative magnetic resonance for analysis of tissue composition (e.g., fat, iron, water content), including multiparametric data acquisition, data preparation and transmission, interpretation and report, obtained with diagnostic MRI examination of the same anatomy (e.g., organ, gland, tissue, target structure); single organ. (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Modifier 26 can be used to indicate the professional component.
Medical necessity must be established for both the diagnostic MRI and the add-on quantitative MRI. The quantitative analysis should provide information beyond what the standard MRI offers, directly impacting patient management. For example, quantifying liver fat content is necessary for staging and monitoring fatty liver disease, not just identifying its presence. The documentation must clearly support why the additional analysis was essential for diagnosis, treatment planning, or monitoring the patient's condition.
The provider positions the patient, acquires images and data, prepares and transmits data for analysis, interprets the analysis, and creates a report.
In simple words: This procedure uses a special type of MRI to measure the amounts of different substances (like fat, iron, and water) within a single organ. It's done at the same time as a regular MRI of the same area. The results help doctors better understand the makeup of the organ tissue.
This code describes a quantitative magnetic resonance imaging service used for analyzing tissue composition. It involves acquiring multiparametric data, preparing and transmitting that data, interpreting the results, and generating a report. This service is performed in conjunction with a diagnostic MRI of the same anatomical area and is limited to a single organ.
Example 1: A patient undergoes a diagnostic MRI of the liver due to abnormal liver function tests. The physician also orders quantitative MRI (0649T) to assess liver fat content, which aids in the diagnosis and management of fatty liver disease., A patient with a history of iron overload undergoes a diagnostic MRI of the heart. The physician also requests quantitative MRI (0649T) to measure myocardial iron levels to determine the extent of iron deposition and guide treatment., A patient with a suspected brain tumor undergoes a diagnostic brain MRI. The provider performs a quantitative MRI (0649T) to analyze tissue composition, helping differentiate between tumor types and assess treatment response.
Documentation should include the diagnostic MRI report, the quantitative MRI analysis report, and the physician’s interpretation of both, correlating them with the patient’s clinical condition. The reason for the quantitative MRI should be clearly documented, linking it to the patient's signs, symptoms, or other diagnostic findings. Details about the organ analyzed and the specific tissue components measured should also be recorded.
** This code was deleted on 2024-12-31. Since this code's deletion, if no alternative Category I code exists, use the appropriate unlisted code from the CPT manual for reporting this service. Use unlisted CPT codes only if there is no national code to represent the service/procedure. Always check the latest version of CPT for the most current information.
- Specialties:Radiology, specialties related to the organ being imaged (e.g., hepatology for liver, cardiology for heart, neurology for brain).
- Place of Service:Outpatient Hospital, Independent Clinic, Physician's Office, and other places where MRI services are provided