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MRI CPT Safety Codes

  • 1.  MRI CPT Safety Codes

    Posted 01-14-2025 17:22

    Does anyone know how much documentation is necessary to be able to add on MR safety CPT codes to those exams that clinical staff vetted for implanted/foreign body identification? 



    ------------------------------
    Jessica Martinez BSRS, RT(R)
    Chief Clinical Officer
    Radiology Associates, LLP
    Corpus Christi TX
    ------------------------------
    DeepHealth May25 Post


  • 2.  RE: MRI CPT Safety Codes

    Posted 01-15-2025 08:57

    Hi Jessica!

    I listened to a webinar hosted by RCCSI and it has really good information around the new safety codes and the RCCB Winter 2024 Newsletter has some good info too.

    On-demand: https://zoom.us/rec/share/eJKsHtR3FlFZ1cCAu7IAE2JqcyQ6DzZg32UDy3cLgoiYTlTwpFtg-2bZ5ikHQgK4.maTti7ijswq3pEak?startTime=1734454809000



    ------------------------------
    Taleesha A. Hawes, CPC
    Director Revenue Cycle, Coding
    Alpharetta, GA
    (678) 283-3569
    www.mqimaging.com
    ------------------------------

    DeepHealth May25 Post


  • 3.  RE: MRI CPT Safety Codes

    Posted 01-15-2025 09:27

    Thank you! Will take a look at this! 



    ------------------------------
    Jessica Martinez BSRS, RT(R)
    Chief Clinical Officer
    Radiology Associates, LLP
    Corpus Christi TX
    ------------------------------

    DeepHealth May25 Post


  • 4.  RE: MRI CPT Safety Codes

    Posted 01-15-2025 15:27

    This link says the Zoom webinar does not exist.  Are you able to see it on your end?



    ------------------------------
    Jessica Martinez BSRS, RT(R)
    Chief Clinical Officer
    Radiology Associates, LLP
    Corpus Christi TX
    ------------------------------

    DeepHealth May25 Post


  • 5.  RE: MRI CPT Safety Codes

    Posted 01-15-2025 16:04

    I also tried to access it and could not. 

     

    Heather L. Rady, MS, ATC

    Chief Operating Officer

    Radiology Associates of Ridgewood, P.A.

    Office: 201-445-8822, ext 119

    www.ridgewoodradiology.com

     

     




    DeepHealth May25 Post


  • 6.  RE: MRI CPT Safety Codes

    Posted 01-15-2025 16:06

    Has anyone seen any guidance on what the "written report" should look like?  

     

    Thanks

    Natalie

     

    NATALIE CULHANE, RCC, CPC, CPCO | COMPLIANCE OFFICER

    SUPPORT CENTER | ST. LOUIS PARK, MN

    C: 612.325.5357    F: 952.905.5655

    Natalie.Culhane@RAYUSradiology.com

    www.RAYUSradiology.com

     




    DeepHealth May25 Post


  • 7.  RE: MRI CPT Safety Codes

    Posted 01-15-2025 16:20
    RCCS has also published an article titled "Clinical Examples for MR Safety Codes" as part of their December 2024 Industry News. 



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    DeepHealth May25 Post


  • 8.  RE: MRI CPT Safety Codes

    Posted 01-16-2025 07:36

    Good morning!

    I guess the on-demand was for a limited time, my apologies! If I see any webinars or additional articles, I'll share them on this post.



    ------------------------------
    Taleesha A. Hawes, CPC
    Director Revenue Cycle, Coding
    Alpharetta, GA
    (678) 283-3569
    www.mqimaging.com
    ------------------------------

    DeepHealth May25 Post


  • 9.  RE: MRI CPT Safety Codes

    Posted 01-16-2025 09:33

    Hi Jessica,

    This is a very popular topic right now, and I am happy to share what I know and have been sharing with radiologists and groups in our industry. Properly documenting and billing MR safety codes 76014 and 76015 is essential to ensure compliance and accurate reimbursement. Remember, 76014-76015 are technical component (TC) codes reported by the facility, not individual practitioners. Below are key points to consider:

    Minimum Documentation Requirements:

    1. Time Spent (Critical for Time-Based Codes):
      • CPT 76014: Document at least 7.5 minutes of time spent researching and verifying device safety to meet the "rule of half" for this 15-minute code.
      • CPT 76015: Document time in 30-minute increments for any additional research beyond the initial 15 minutes.
    2. Tasks Performed:
      • Clearly outline all tasks performed by the clinical staff or MRI safety officer to verify the safety status of the implanted device or foreign body. This may include:
        • Reviewing the patient's medical record and screening form.
        • Researching manufacturer guidelines or product specifications online.
        • Contacting manufacturers (if applicable).
        • Consulting internal device safety databases.
    3. Findings and Determination:
      • Document the final safety status of the device or implant:
        • MR Safe, MR Conditional, or MR Unsafe.
      • Include the rationale and resources used to determine the device's status (e.g., manufacturer documentation, institutional database, or external database).
    4. Written Report for the Radiologist:
      • Provide a written summary of findings to the radiologist. This report should include:
        • The identified device or foreign body (make, model, and any available details).
        • Steps taken to verify the safety status.
        • The final determination including the "risk benefit analysis" and any safety recommendations for the MR exam will be determined by the radiologist by reporting CPT 76016.
    5. Technical Component (TC) Considerations:
      • As CPT 76014 and 76015 are TC-only codes, ensure the following:
        • These codes are billed by the facility, not by individual practitioners.
        • Documentation must clearly indicate that the work was performed by technical staff employed by the facility (e.g., MRI technologist or safety officer).
        • The facility retains and provides access to the written report as part of the patient's medical record.
    6. What to Document:
      • Date and time of work performed.
      • Total time spent on research (with breakdowns if using CPT 76015 for additional time).
      • Name and credentials of the facility staff performing the research.
      • Resources consulted (e.g., websites, manuals, patient records).
      • Specific device details (e.g., make, model, identifying numbers).
    7. Billing Exclusions:
      • If no significant work is required (e.g., the device is already known to be MR Safe), these codes should not be billed.

    Example Documentation Entry for Facility Use:

    Date: [Insert Date]
    Time Spent: 32 minutes
    Task Performed: Clinical staff reviewed patient screening form and identified implanted orthopedic device ([Device Name, Model Number]). Researched manufacturer's guidelines and consulted institutional database for safety confirmation. Device determined to be MR Conditional under the following parameters: [Insert Parameters]. Generated written report for radiologist review.
    Performed By: [Staff Name, Credentials]
    Facility: [Facility Name]

    This level of documentation will ensure compliance with reporting standards and provide clear justification for the use of CPT 76014 and 76015, while recognizing that these are facility-reported technical codes.



    ------------------------------
    Laura Manser, CPC, CDEO, CIRCC, CPMA, CEMC, RCC
    Director of Provider Education
    PBS Radiology Business Experts
    lmanser@pbsradiology.com
    pbsradiology.com
    ------------------------------

    DeepHealth May25 Post


  • 10.  RE: MRI CPT Safety Codes

    Posted 01-20-2025 16:17

    I'm curious if anyone has developed a workflow for documentation of these codes in either a hospital or imaging center setting that you would be willing to share. Normally in our world there is an order and completed images that provide the system trigger for a radiologist to dictate something.   In this case, you might have an order, but no images.

    What about tech documentation of the non-physician codes in an imaging center setting?  Has anyone figured that out?

    Thanks

    Dave



    ------------------------------
    David Smith FACMPE
    Executive Director
    United Imaging Consultants
    Mission KS
    ------------------------------

    DeepHealth May25 Post


  • 11.  RE: MRI CPT Safety Codes

    Posted 01-30-2025 10:35
      |   view attached

    Laura, great summary of the requirements below, thank you for sharing this.

     

    We are working with our billing partner on the process to submit these charges, in the interim we are tracking all patients with implants and will submit once we have everything finalized. 

     

    We do not anticipate radiologist will do any of this research, if they do, we can have them dictate in a report.  Our techs/tech aids will do this research and complete this form when they must research an implant.  This form would be submitted with the procedure code for billing.  What is anyone else using/doing?    Appreciate any help anyone can provide on this.

     

    Thank you,

     

    Kevin Ordway, Executive Director

     




    Attachment(s)

    DeepHealth May25 Post


  • 12.  RE: MRI CPT Safety Codes

    Posted 01-31-2025 12:57

    We are still working to understand the documentation required and how to best accomplish it.  One question I have is for 76014/76015 it states that we document all the tasks performed by the clinical staff or MRSO.  How is clinical staff being defined?  Is it limited to the technologist or are any administrative staff included in that.  



    ------------------------------
    Jennifer Yahne
    Chief Operating Officer
    TRA-MINW, P.S.
    Tacoma WA
    jyahne@tranow.com
    ------------------------------

    DeepHealth May25 Post


  • 13.  RE: MRI CPT Safety Codes

    Posted 01-16-2025 09:33

    This is a very popular topic right now, and I am happy to share what I know and have been sharing with radiologists and groups in our industry. Properly documenting and billing MR safety codes 76014 and 76015 is essential to ensure compliance and accurate reimbursement. Remember, 76014-76015 are technical component (TC) codes reported by the facility, not individual practitioners. Below are key points to consider:

    Minimum Documentation Requirements:

    1. Time Spent (Critical for Time-Based Codes):
      • CPT 76014: Document at least 7.5 minutes of time spent researching and verifying device safety to meet the "rule of half" for this 15-minute code.
      • CPT 76015: Document time in 30-minute increments for any additional research beyond the initial 15 minutes.
    2. Tasks Performed:
      • Clearly outline all tasks performed by the clinical staff or MRI safety officer to verify the safety status of the implanted device or foreign body. This may include:
        • Reviewing the patient's medical record and screening form.
        • Researching manufacturer guidelines or product specifications online.
        • Contacting manufacturers (if applicable).
        • Consulting internal device safety databases.
    3. Findings and Determination:
      • Document the final safety status of the device or implant:
        • MR Safe, MR Conditional, or MR Unsafe.
      • Include the rationale and resources used to determine the device's status (e.g., manufacturer documentation, institutional database, or external database).
    4. Written Report for the Radiologist:
      • Provide a written summary of findings to the radiologist. This report should include:
        • The identified device or foreign body (make, model, and any available details).
        • Steps taken to verify the safety status.
        • The final determination including the "risk benefit analysis" and any safety recommendations for the MR exam will be determined by the radiologist by reporting CPT 76016.
    5. Technical Component (TC) Considerations:
      • As CPT 76014 and 76015 are TC-only codes, ensure the following:
        • These codes are billed by the facility, not by individual practitioners.
        • Documentation must clearly indicate that the work was performed by technical staff employed by the facility (e.g., MRI technologist or safety officer).
        • The facility retains and provides access to the written report as part of the patient's medical record.
    6. What to Document:
      • Date and time of work performed.
      • Total time spent on research (with breakdowns if using CPT 76015 for additional time).
      • Name and credentials of the facility staff performing the research.
      • Resources consulted (e.g., websites, manuals, patient records).
      • Specific device details (e.g., make, model, identifying numbers).
    7. Billing Exclusions:
      • If no significant work is required (e.g., the device is already known to be MR Safe), these codes should not be billed.

    Example Documentation Entry for Facility Use:

    Date: [Insert Date]
    Time Spent: 32 minutes
    Task Performed: Clinical staff reviewed patient screening form and identified implanted orthopedic device ([Device Name, Model Number]). Researched manufacturer's guidelines and consulted institutional database for safety confirmation. Device determined to be MR Conditional under the following parameters: [Insert Parameters]. Generated written report for radiologist review.
    Performed By: [Staff Name, Credentials]
    Facility: [Facility Name]

    This level of documentation will ensure compliance with reporting standards and provide clear justification for the use of CPT 76014 and 76015, while recognizing that these are facility-reported technical codes.



    ------------------------------
    Laura Manser, CPC, CDEO, CIRCC, CPMA, CEMC, RCC
    Director of Provider Education
    PBS Radiology Business Experts
    lmanser@pbsradiology.com
    pbsradiology.com
    ------------------------------

    DeepHealth May25 Post


  • 14.  RE: MRI CPT Safety Codes

    Posted 01-22-2025 15:46

    Hi,

    We have been working on a somewhat manual process to capture the information needed to bill this, thanks for all the insight.  Does anyone know or have a suggestion on the how to bill this?  Since it doesn't require a doctor to bill who is the rendering and ordering provider?  What gets included on the bill for a diagnosis?

    Thanks,

    George



    ------------------------------
    George Gendron
    Adminstrator
    X-Ray Professional Association
    Concord NH
    ------------------------------

    DeepHealth May25 Post


  • 15.  RE: MRI CPT Safety Codes

    Posted 01-22-2025 16:59

    Hi George,

    When billing for CPT codes 76014-76015, which are time-based codes and technical component (TC) only, the process is slightly different since these services do not involve a physician's professional interpretation at the point of service. Here's a breakdown of the billing process:

    1. Facility as the Billing Entity

    • For technical-only charges, such as those involving the use of equipment, supplies, and technical staff, the facility is considered the billing entity.
    • These services are typically billed under the facility's Tax Identification Number (TIN) and National Provider Identifier (NPI) number.

    2. No Rendering Physician Required

    • For technical component (TC) services, a rendering physician is not required because the service does not include the professional interpretation component.
    • The claim does not need to include a rendering physician's NPI. Instead, you include the ordering provider's NPI on the claim, which refers to the physician or other qualified healthcare professional who requested the service.

    3. Ordering Provider's Role

    • The ordering provider is responsible for initiating the request for the diagnostic test. Their name and NPI must be included on the claim as the referring/ordering provider.
    • Ensure the documentation supports that the test was ordered and why it was necessary (the diagnosis or clinical indication).

    4. Diagnosis Code Requirements

    • The diagnosis code included on the claim should reflect the reason for the test, as indicated by the ordering provider. This ensures medical necessity is established.

    5. Modifier Use

    • If the procedure code is inherently a technical component (e.g., codes like 76014 or 76015), it is not necessary to append a TC modifier unless required by the payer.
    • For global codes, you would append the TC modifier to indicate that only the technical portion is being billed.

    6. Payer-Specific Requirements

    • Check with the payer regarding specific billing rules. While most payers do not require a rendering provider for technical-only services, it's a good practice to verify their guidelines.

    Example Claim Details for a Technical-Only Charge:

    • Billing Entity: Facility's name, TIN, and NPI.
    • Ordering Provider: Name and NPI of the physician who requested the test.
    • Diagnosis Code: Based on the clinical indication for the test.
    • CPT Code: Procedure code (e.g., 76014-76015).
    • Modifiers (if applicable): Add a TC modifier if billing for a global code.


    ------------------------------
    Laura Manser, CPC, CDEO, CIRCC, CPMA, CEMC, RCC
    Director of Provider Education
    PBS Radiology Business Experts
    lmanser@pbsradiology.com
    pbsradiology.com
    ------------------------------

    DeepHealth May25 Post


  • 16.  RE: MRI CPT Safety Codes

    Posted 01-23-2025 08:26

    Thank You Laura.  Great information.



    ------------------------------
    George Gendron
    Adminstrator
    X-Ray Professional Association
    Concord NH
    ------------------------------

    DeepHealth May25 Post


  • 17.  RE: MRI CPT Safety Codes

    Posted 01-27-2025 16:02

    Has anyone been successful with billing any of these codes and receiving reimbursement?  Curious as to the amount they are reimbursing.



    ------------------------------
    Beth Martz RT(R), CT, MR
    Imaging Operations Manager
    Diagnostic Imaging Services, LLC
    Hagerstown MD
    (301) 992-2085
    ------------------------------

    DeepHealth May25 Post


  • 18.  RE: MRI CPT Safety Codes

    Posted 01-28-2025 13:23

    Hi Jessica,

    Do you still need information on MRI safety codes?   We recently did a webinar on this subject. Happy to share if it would be helpful.



    ------------------------------
    Stephanie Miller
    Sales and Marketing Manager
    PBS Radiology Business Experts
    Reno NV
    ------------------------------

    DeepHealth May25 Post


  • 19.  RE: MRI CPT Safety Codes

    Posted 01-28-2025 17:04

    Hi Jessica, 

    Attached is a matrix for the MR Safety codes. CMS and the AMA should be publishing clarifying information on some of the issues with these new codes as stated in the narrative attachment. For a list and details of the new 2025 codes, see the following link.

    2025 CPT Changes for Radiology, Interventional & Cardiology Specialists - StreamlineMD



    ------------------------------
    Beth Kujawski CIRCC
    Director of Coding Quality & Education
    StreamlineMD, A PRC Medical Company
    Cuyahoga Falls OH
    (303) 902-1545
    ------------------------------

    Attachment(s)

    DeepHealth May25 Post


  • 20.  RE: MRI CPT Safety Codes

    Posted 01-28-2025 17:45

    Does anyone have insight into how the CMS RVU's for some of these codes were developed?  They don't look right to me.

    For example, there are 0.33 RVU's for 76014, which is the first 15 minutes of assessment by trained clinical staff.  Then each additional 30 minutes (twice as much time), is 1.59 RVUs (nearly five times the RVU value).  Seems like an incentive to make sure it always takes at least 45 minutes.

    It also isn't clear to me how there can be technical component on 76016.  Perhaps they assume that a tech will do most of the work, but 62% technical seems like a lot when you consider the labor cost difference for the professional component.  



    ------------------------------
    David Smith FACMPE
    Executive Director
    United Imaging Consultants
    Mission KS
    ------------------------------

    DeepHealth May25 Post