CPT 70545Radiology

Mr angiography head w/dye

CPT code 70545 covers an MR angiography (MRA) scan of the head performed with intravenous contrast dye to visualize blood vessels in the brain and detect abnormalities like aneurysms, blockages, or vascular malformations.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$224.16

This calculator gives a typical-case estimate using standard Medicare modifier rules. Actual payment depends on payer policies, documentation, code-specific CMS status indicators, and locality. Verify before billing.

RVU breakdown

Work RVU

1.2

PE RVU (NF)

5.65

MP RVU

0.08

Total RVU

6.93

Conversion factor: 32.3465 · Source: CMS MPFS RVU25A · Confidence: High

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Always verify prior authorization before scheduling, as most payers require pre-certification for MR angiography
Impact: Prevents 100% denial; prior auth denials account for 30-40% of initial MRA claim rejections
Document the specific type and volume of contrast agent administered, including lot number and patient response
Impact: Supports medical necessity and allows separate billing of contrast agent supply code (Q9953-Q9954) adding $40-120 additional reimbursement
Ensure ordering diagnosis code supports medical necessity; vague codes like R51 (headache) often deny without additional supporting diagnoses
Impact: Increases clean claim rate by 25%; use specific codes like I67.1 (cerebral aneurysm) or G45.9 (TIA) when clinically appropriate
Bill facility vs non-facility setting correctly; verify place of service code matches actual location (22 for outpatient hospital, 11 for office)
Impact: Both rates are $224.16 for 70545, but incorrect POS coding triggers audits and potential recoupment on other services
Do not bill 70545 with 70544 (MRA head without contrast) on same date; these are mutually exclusive
Impact: Prevents automatic denial and potential fraud investigation; bill only the highest-value appropriate code
Separate professional and technical components when radiologist and facility have different tax IDs
Impact: Ensures both entities receive appropriate payment; prevents delayed or denied claims due to improper global billing

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT 70545 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement rate for CPT 70545 is $224.16 for both facility and non-facility settings. This rate is based on 6.93 total RVUs multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465.

Does CPT 70545 require prior authorization from Medicare or commercial payers?

Medicare does not universally require prior authorization for 70545, though some Medicare Advantage plans do. Most commercial payers require pre-certification for MR angiography due to the high cost and potential for overutilization. Always verify authorization requirements with the specific payer before scheduling.

Can I bill CPT 70545 and 70544 together for the same patient on the same day?

No, CPT 70545 (with contrast) and 70544 (without contrast) are mutually exclusive and should not be billed together for the same anatomical area on the same date. If both non-contrast and contrast sequences are performed, bill only 70545. For without and with contrast protocol, use 70546 instead.

What diagnosis codes support medical necessity for CPT 70545?

Diagnosis codes that typically support medical necessity include I67.1 (cerebral aneurysm), I63.x (cerebral infarction), G45.9 (TIA), I67.89 (cerebrovascular disease), Q28.2 (arteriovenous malformation), and I77.6 (arteritis). Vague symptoms like R51 (headache) alone often require additional supporting documentation.

How many RVUs is CPT code 70545 worth in 2025?

CPT 70545 has 6.93 total RVUs in 2025, consisting of 1.2 work RVUs, 5.65 practice expense RVUs (both facility and non-facility), and 0.08 malpractice RVUs. The work RVU represents the physician interpretation effort.

What is the difference between CPT 70545 and 70546?

CPT 70545 is MR angiography of the head performed only with contrast, while CPT 70546 is performed both without contrast first, then with contrast. Code 70546 has higher reimbursement due to additional imaging sequences and interpretation time. Bill 70546 when protocol requires pre-contrast comparison images.

Can contrast material be billed separately with CPT 70545?

Yes, the contrast agent supply can be billed separately using HCPCS codes Q9953-Q9954 for gadolinium-based contrast agents, or appropriate A-codes depending on the specific product used. This is separate from the professional and technical components of 70545 and typically adds $40-120 to the total reimbursement depending on the agent and volume used.