AHA Coding Clinic® for HCPCS - 2006 Quarter 1; FOR your INFORMATION
Replacement Q-codes for MRI contrast agents
HCPCS codes A4643 , Supply of additional high dose contrast material during magnetic resonance imaging, e.g., gadoteridol injection, and A4647 , Supply of paramagnetic contrast material (e.g., gadolinium), which represented MRI contrast agents, were deleted December 31, 2005 and replaced with Q codes, effective January 1, 2006. The replacement codes and their descriptors are listed below. Although HCPCS codes Q9952 - Q9954 were created in April 2005, they were not recognized for OPPS reporting until January 1, 2006. The following HCPCS codes are effective under OPPS in CY 2006: Code - Code descriptor Q9952 Injection, Gadolinium-based magnetic resonance contrast...
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Article Overview
This article covers a HCPCS coding update related to MRI contrast agents, including the shift from older supply codes to replacement Q codes and the timing of their OPPS recognition in CY 2006. It is relevant for coding professionals and billing staff who track outpatient payment policy changes and need to understand which code families were affected by the transition.
Why This Topic Matters
Coding and reporting for MRI contrast agents can be affected by code deletions, replacements, and policy timing. Understanding this update helps users interpret historical HCPCS changes and outpatient payment reporting requirements for the affected period.
What You Will Learn
- Which HCPCS MRI contrast-related codes were replaced
- When the replacement HCPCS codes became recognized for OPPS reporting
- Which code family the article discusses and the general reporting context
- How the article frames the transition in CY 2006
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Outpatient billing staff
- Revenue cycle professionals
- Compliance staff
- Coding educators
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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