CPT Code Overview

CPT code 70547 represents a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the neck, specifically targeting vessels such as the carotid and vertebral arteries, performed without contrast material. This procedure falls under diagnostic radiology (diagnostic imaging) procedures of the head and neck. It is typically conducted in an outpatient hospital or office setting, most commonly billed in outpatient environments such as place of service 19 or 11. The MRA of the neck is a non-invasive imaging technique used to evaluate vascular structures and detect abnormalities without the use of contrast agents.

Clinical Context

A typical patient scenario involves an adult presenting to an outpatient hospital or office setting with symptoms suggestive of vascular pathology in the neck, such as transient ischemic attacks, stroke-like symptoms, or evaluation of known or suspected neoplasms affecting the carotid or vertebral arteries. The ordering physician requests a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the neck, specifically without contrast material, to assess the patency and anatomy of the neck vessels. The radiologist interprets the images to assist in diagnosis and management, often in coordination with neurology or oncology teams.

Coding Specifications

• Modifiers:

  • 26 - Professional Component: Used when only the interpretation and report are provided by the physician.
  • TC - Technical Component: Used when only the technical portion (equipment, staff, etc.) is provided.
  • 59 - Distinct Procedural Service: Used to indicate a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other services performed on the same day.
  • 76 - Repeat Procedure by Same Physician: Used when the same physician repeats the procedure on the same patient.

• Provider Taxonomies:

  • 2085R0700X - Diagnostic Radiology: Represents providers specializing in diagnostic imaging, including radiologists who interpret MRA studies.

Related Diagnoses

• C70.0 - Malignant neoplasm of cerebral meninges

  • Relevant for evaluating vascular involvement or spread in patients with meningeal tumors.

• C70.9 - Malignant neoplasm of meninges, unspecified

  • Used when the specific meningeal site is not identified; MRA may help assess vascular impact.

• C71.0 - Malignant neoplasm of cerebrum, except lobes and ventricles

  • MRA assists in evaluating vascular supply to cerebral tumors.

• C71.1 - Malignant neoplasm of frontal lobe

  • MRA may be used to assess vascular involvement in frontal lobe neoplasms.

• C71.2 - Malignant neoplasm of temporal lobe

  • Relevant for evaluating vascular anatomy in temporal lobe tumors.

• C71.3 - Malignant neoplasm of parietal lobe

  • Used for assessing vascular supply in parietal lobe neoplasms.

• C71.4 - Malignant neoplasm of occipital lobe

  • MRA may be indicated to evaluate vascular involvement in occipital lobe tumors.

• C71.5 - Malignant neoplasm of cerebral ventricle

  • Used to assess vascular anatomy in patients with ventricular tumors.

• C75.4 - Malignant neoplasm of carotid body

  • Directly relevant for neck MRA to evaluate carotid body tumors and their vascular supply.

• C71.6 - Malignant neoplasm of cerebellum

  • MRA may be used to assess vascular involvement in cerebellar tumors.

• C71.7 - Malignant neoplasm of brain stem

  • Used for evaluating vascular supply in brain stem neoplasms.

• C71.8 - Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of brain

  • MRA assists in evaluating vascular anatomy in tumors involving multiple brain regions.

• C71.9 - Malignant neoplasm of brain, unspecified

  • Used when the specific site is not identified; MRA may help assess overall vascular involvement.

Related CPT Codes

• 70544 - Magnetic resonance angiography, head and/or neck, without contrast material

  • May be used when imaging both head and neck vessels without contrast; can overlap with 70547 if both regions are scanned.

• 70545 - Magnetic resonance angiography, head; with contrast material(s)

  • Used for head MRA with contrast; alternative to 70547 if contrast is required for head imaging.

• 70546 - Magnetic resonance angiography, head; without contrast material(s), followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences

  • Used when both non-contrast and contrast sequences are performed for head MRA.

• 70548 - Magnetic resonance angiography, neck, with contrast material(s)

  • Alternative to 70547 when contrast is used for neck MRA.

• 70549 - Magnetic resonance angiography, neck, without contrast material(s), followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences

  • Used when both non-contrast and contrast sequences are performed for neck MRA.

These codes are selected based on the anatomical region and whether contrast is used. 70547 is specific for neck MRA without contrast. Codes may be used together if both head and neck are imaged, or as alternatives depending on clinical requirements.

National mean rates for CPT code 70547 show a significant gap between Medicare and commercial payers. Medicare's mean rate is $149.13, while the average for BUCA (Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealth Group, Cigna, and Aetna) is $260.74, nearly 75% higher than Medicare.

Rate dispersion varies notably across payers. Cigna exhibits the widest spread, with a difference of $213.50 between its 75th and 25th percentiles, indicating substantial variability in contracted rates. In contrast, Aetna has the tightest range at $118.93, suggesting more consistent reimbursement levels. The table and chart below present the full breakdown of national benchmarks for each payer.