Radiology Coding Alert

Question: I’m new to radiology coding, and I have a report that states a patient was referred to our radiology practice for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan with contrast of their temporomandibular joints after being involved in a fight the previous weekend. The radiologist performed the MRI and interpreted the results.

What CPT^® code should I assign for this service?

North Dakota Subscriber

Answer: You’ll want to assign 70542 (Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, orbit, face, and/or neck; with contrast material(s)) to report the diagnostic MRI with contrast performed on the patient.

CPT^® code 70336 (Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, temporomandibular joint(s)) may seem like a correct code choice since the descriptor includes the temporomandibular joint(s), but the descriptor doesn’t indicate if the provider performed the procedure with or without contrast.

Code 70542’s descriptor provides general coverage for different body structures of the head and neck, as well as indicates the radiologist used contrast material(s) to examine the structures. Plus, according to the July 2022 CPT^® Assistant, code 70542 “inherently includes examination of the temporomandibular joint(s).”