2025 CPT code 70548
Magnetic resonance angiography, neck; with contrast material(s).
Modifiers 26 (professional component), TC (technical component), and other applicable modifiers may be used based on the circumstances of the service.
Medical necessity for this procedure must be established based on the patient's symptoms, clinical findings, and suspected diagnosis. Payer guidelines for coverage may vary, so it's important to ensure that the medical necessity is clearly documented in the patient's record.
The physician's responsibilities include: preparing the patient, positioning the patient correctly within the MRI machine, administering the contrast material (if applicable), monitoring the patient during the scan, reviewing and interpreting the resulting images, and generating a report based on their findings.
In simple words: This is a special type of MRI of the neck that uses dye to create detailed pictures of your blood vessels. It helps doctors see how the blood flows through the arteries and veins in this area.
The provider performs magnetic resonance angiography of the vessels of the neck and surrounding areas using contrast material. The patient lies still on the examination table under the tunnel. Devices that transmit radio waves are placed adjacent to the neck. A magnetic field is produced through an electric current in the device. The generated data is processed by a computer into a series of high–resolution three–dimensional images, which are then interpreted by the provider.
Example 1: A patient presents with symptoms suggestive of carotid artery stenosis (narrowing of the carotid arteries). An MRA of the neck with contrast is ordered to evaluate the degree of stenosis and plan appropriate treatment., A patient with a history of head and neck cancer undergoes an MRA with contrast to assess the extent of the disease and monitor response to therapy., A patient experiences sudden onset of neurological symptoms, raising suspicion for a stroke or other vascular event. An MRA of the neck with contrast is performed to evaluate the blood vessels in the neck and brain and identify any blockages or abnormalities.
Documentation should include the reason for the scan, relevant patient history, details of the procedure including the type and dose of contrast used, and the physician’s interpretation of the images with specific measurements if applicable.
** For a similar study without contrast, see 70547. For a study without contrast followed by contrast, see 70549. If oral or rectal contrast is used, code the procedure as "without contrast" as these are included in the service. For contrast to be considered when coding, it must be intravascular, intraarticular, or intrathecal. The supply of contrast may be separately reported using 99070 or a HCPCS Level II code, per payer guidelines.
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC applies when reporting only the technical component of the procedure.
- Specialties:Radiology, Interventional Radiology, Vascular Surgery, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Oncology
- Place of Service: "Office", "Inpatient Hospital", "On Campus-Outpatient Hospital", "Off Campus-Outpatient Hospital", "Independent Clinic", "Ambulatory Surgical Center"