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2025 CPT code 73221

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of any joint of the upper extremity; without contrast material.

Modifiers 26 (Professional Component) and TC (Technical Component) can be appended to 73221 to indicate the services provided. Modifier 59 may be necessary to distinguish between separate and distinct services.

Modifiers 26 (Professional Component), TC (Technical Component) can be applied to indicate who performed the procedure's professional or technical aspects. Other modifiers may apply as per specific circumstances.

Medical necessity for 73221 must be established by documenting the clinical indication for the MRI. The documentation should support the need for imaging to evaluate a specific condition affecting the upper extremity joint.

The physician positions the patient and the extremity to be scanned, captures the radiofrequency signals generated, and interprets the generated images to diagnose, manage, and treat diseases. A written report of the findings is prepared.

IMPORTANT:For MRI of the same area with contrast, see 73222. For MRI without contrast followed by with contrast and further sequences, see 73223. For MRI of the upper extremity excluding joints, see codes 73218-73220.

In simple words: An MRI scan uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand joint. This procedure does not involve using any dyes.

This code represents a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of any joint in the upper extremity, such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand joints, performed without the use of contrast media.The procedure involves placing the patient's upper extremity within a magnetic field and using radio waves to generate detailed images of the joint's internal structures. The images are then interpreted by a radiologist to diagnose various conditions.

Example 1: A patient presents with chronic shoulder pain and limited range of motion. Code 73221 is used for an MRI to evaluate the shoulder joint for potential rotator cuff tear, labral tear, or other abnormalities., Following a fall, a patient experiences wrist pain and swelling. An MRI without contrast (73221) is ordered to assess for fractures, ligament tears, or other injuries., A patient with persistent elbow pain and stiffness is suspected to have arthritis. Code 73221 is used for an MRI to evaluate the elbow joint for degenerative changes, inflammation, or other pathology.

Documentation should include the patient's history, physical exam findings, reason for the MRI, the specific joint examined, and the interpretation of the images.

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