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2025 CPT code 73720

Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, lower extremity other than joint; without contrast material(s), followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences

Modifiers such as 26 (professional component), TC (technical component), 59 (distinct procedural service), LT (left side), and RT (right side) can be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the service provided. Consult payer guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.

Medical necessity for 73720 must be supported by documentation indicating that the MRI is necessary to evaluate a specific medical condition affecting the soft tissues, nerves, or blood vessels of the lower extremity (excluding the joints). Symptoms, physical examination findings, and previous treatments should be documented to justify the need for advanced imaging.

In simple words: This procedure uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to take detailed pictures of your lower extremity (leg, ankle, foot, excluding the joints). It's done in two parts: first without, and then with, a special dye injected to make certain areas show up better.

In this diagnostic procedure, the provider performs magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a patient’s lower extremity, other than a joint, first without contrast material, and then with contrast material for further sequences. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body's internal structures. The patient lies on a table that slides into a large, tunnel-shaped scanner. The technician instructs the patient to remain still during the imaging process, which involves capturing radiofrequency signals generated by the body within the magnetic field. The computer then processes these signals to produce cross-sectional images of the lower extremity. The procedure is performed twice: initially without contrast, and subsequently with contrast material injected to enhance the visibility of certain tissues. The radiologist then interprets the images and prepares a written report.

Example 1: A patient presents with persistent pain and swelling in the lower leg following a sports injury, not involving the knee or ankle joints. An MRI of the lower extremity without and with contrast (73720) is ordered to evaluate for soft tissue injuries like muscle tears or ligament strains., A patient experiences numbness and tingling in their foot, with no involvement of the ankle joint. To assess the nerves and blood vessels in the lower leg, the physician orders an MRI of the lower extremity without and with contrast (73720)., A patient with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower leg presents with recurrent leg pain and swelling. An MRI of the lower extremity without and with contrast (73720) is ordered to evaluate for recurrent DVT or other vascular abnormalities.

The medical record should document the patient's symptoms, relevant medical history (e.g. trauma, prior DVT), physical examination findings, the reason for the MRI (e.g., evaluate soft tissue injury, assess nerves/vessels, rule out DVT), the specific area of the lower extremity being imaged, and the comparison of the images with and without contrast.

** If a joint is included in the MRI study, a different code from the range 73721-73723 should be used. If separate and distinct MRIs are performed on different areas of the lower extremity, multiple codes may be applicable. Always consult current CPT coding guidelines for the most accurate coding and billing practices.

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