2025 CPT code 70336
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Diagnostic Radiology - Magnetic Resonance Imaging Radiology Feed
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the temporomandibular joint(s) (TMJ).
Modifiers 26 (professional component), TC (technical component), and others may be applicable depending on the circumstances of service delivery.Refer to your payer's guidelines for specific modifier use rules.
Medical necessity for CPT 70336 is established when clinical findings (such as pain, limited range of motion, clicking, or history of trauma) raise suspicion of TMJ pathology.The MRI provides information not readily available through other, less expensive methods and is deemed essential for proper diagnosis and management.
The clinical responsibility includes ordering the MRI, assessing the patient's clinical history and needs to determine the necessity of the procedure, interpreting the images, and generating a report with diagnostic findings. The radiologist or physician interpreting the images is responsible for ensuring the images are high-quality and provide useful clinical information.The technologist is responsible for patient positioning and equipment operation during the scan.The physician is responsible for communicating the findings to the referring physician.
In simple words: This medical code covers an MRI scan of your jaw joint.The MRI uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the joint, helping doctors diagnose problems with the jaw joint.
This CPT code encompasses the performance of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination specifically targeting the temporomandibular joint(s) (TMJ).The procedure involves the use of a magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses to generate detailed, three-dimensional images of the TMJ, including its soft tissues, periarticular structures, and intra-articular components. Dynamic imaging sequences, such as those acquired during jaw opening and closing, may be incorporated to assess joint movement and function. The use of dedicated surface coils and high spatial resolution techniques is often employed to optimize image quality and diagnostic yield. Contrast agents may be administered intravenously to enhance visualization of specific tissues or structures, as clinically indicated.The interpretation of the images is included in this code.
Example 1: A patient presents with clicking in the jaw joint, pain, and limited jaw opening. The physician orders an MRI of the TMJ (CPT 70336) to assess for disc displacement, internal derangement, or other structural abnormalities contributing to the symptoms., A patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis experiences increasing jaw pain and stiffness. An MRI (CPT 70336) is ordered to evaluate the TMJ for signs of erosive arthritis, joint space narrowing, or synovitis., Following trauma to the face, a patient complains of jaw pain and dysfunction.An MRI (CPT 70336) is performed to rule out fractures, ligamentous injuries, or other post-traumatic TMJ abnormalities.
** Accurate coding requires careful review of the provided services and adherence to current coding guidelines and payer-specific policies. Always refer to official coding manuals and payer-specific guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
- Revenue Code: I2D (Advanced Imaging - MRI: Other)
- RVU: The RVUs for this code vary based on geographic location, facility type, and other factors. Consult your local fee schedule or Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for the most up-to-date RVU values and reimbursement rates.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC (technical component) is applicable when only the technical aspects of the MRI (equipment and personnel) are billed by the facility, separate from the professional interpretation by the physician.
- Fee Schedule : Fee schedules vary by payer and location.The historical fee schedule information can be obtained from your payer's historical payment data or through appropriate billing resources.
- Specialties:Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Radiology, Dentistry, and Rheumatology.
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient/Outpatient), Ambulatory Surgical Center