2025 CPT code 77021
Effective Date: N/A Radiology Procedures > Radiologic Guidance Feed
Magnetic resonance imaging guidance for needle placement (e.g., for biopsy, needle aspiration, injection, or placement of localization device) radiological supervision and interpretation.
Modifiers 26 (Professional Component), 52 (Reduced Services), TC (Technical Component), and other relevant modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the service provided.
Medical necessity for MRI guidance should be supported by documentation indicating the clinical rationale for using MRI to guide the needle placement procedure, such as the need for precise localization due to the lesion's size, location, or surrounding structures, or to minimize the risk of complications.
The provider performing imaging supervision and interpretation for this procedure reports this code. The provider reporting the needle placement procedure should report the appropriate code for that service based on the organ or site.
In simple words: This procedure involves using an MRI to guide a needle for procedures like biopsies or injections. The doctor uses the MRI to see where the needle is going and make sure it's in the right spot. This code is for the doctor who supervises and interprets the images, not the one performing the needle procedure itself.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnetic fields and radio waves to visualize body tissues to diagnose, manage, and treat diseases. In this procedure, the provider performing the needle service inserts a small biopsy or other needle through the anesthetized area of skin into the tissue of interest. He advances the needle using magnetic resonance guidance to the area where he will take the biopsy or complete another service. He uses the magnetic resonance images to confirm the correct placement of the needle in the targeted area. The provider who performs imaging supervision and interpretation for this procedure reports this code.
Example 1: A patient needs a biopsy of a suspicious lesion in the liver. MRI guidance is used to ensure accurate needle placement during the biopsy. The radiologist supervising and interpreting the MRI images would report 77021., A patient requires a needle aspiration of a cyst in the breast. MRI guidance is utilized for precise needle placement. The radiologist overseeing and interpreting the MRI images would report 77021., A patient undergoes an injection of a therapeutic agent into a spinal disc. MRI guidance is used to ensure the injection reaches the correct location. The radiologist supervising and interpreting the MRI images for needle placement would use 77021.
Documentation should include details of the needle placement procedure performed under MRI guidance, including the organ or site biopsied or aspirated, type of injection administered, confirmation of needle placement by MRI, and the radiologist's interpretation of the images.
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC is applicable when reporting only the technical component of the service.
- Specialties:Radiology, Interventional Radiology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center