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Answer: According to CPT Codes 2000, code 70540 (magnetic resonance [e.g., proton] imaging, orbit, face and neck) is the correct code for the MRI of the orbit, face and neck. The correct code for MRI of the brain is contained in the series 70551-70553. Code 70551 is MRI of the brain without contrast material; 70552 is for MRI of the brain with contrast material; and 70553 is MRI without contrast, followed by contrast and further sequences.
Please keep in mind that the key to being paid for these codes is your choice of diagnosis code. Most Medicare carriers have selective ICD-9 Codes that are reimbursable. You need to check with your carrier to determine if the codes you are using are acceptable for the MRIs performed.
Source for this reader question was Andrea Lamb, CPC, billing clerk for St. Josephs Medical Plaza, a multispecialty group practice in Buckhannon, W.Va.
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