In simple words: This procedure uses a powerful MRI to create detailed pictures of the blood vessels in your neck.It's like a regular MRI, but focuses specifically on how blood flows through the arteries and veins. No dye is used during the scan.

The provider performs magnetic resonance angiography of the vessels of the neck and surrounding areas without using contrast material. The patient lies still on the examination table within the MRI machine. Devices transmitting radio waves are placed near the neck, generating a magnetic field through an electric current. The data is processed by a computer into a series of high-resolution three-dimensional images, which the provider then interprets.

Example 1: A patient presents with symptoms suggestive of carotid artery stenosis. An MRA of the neck without contrast is ordered to assess blood flow and identify any blockages., Following a traumatic neck injury, an MRA without contrast is performed to evaluate the integrity of the neck vessels and rule out any vascular damage., A patient with a family history of aneurysms undergoes an MRA of the neck without contrast as a screening measure to detect any potential abnormalities.

Documentation should include the patient's relevant medical history, the reason for the MRA, the area of the neck imaged, and the interpretation of the findings.

** Check individual payer policies for contrast coverage and reportable supply codes. Hospitals may be exempt from appending modifier TC due to the inherent technical nature of their portion of the service.