CPT 70547Radiology

Mr angiography neck w/o dye

CPT code 70547 covers an MR angiography (MRA) of the neck performed without contrast dye, using magnetic imaging to visualize blood vessels in the neck to detect blockages, aneurysms, or vascular abnormalities.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$212.84

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)

5.3

MP RVU

0.08

Total RVU

6.58

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Verify that contrast was NOT administered before using 70547; if contrast was given, you must bill 70548 or 70549 instead
Impact: Prevents automatic denials and potential audit flags; incorrect code selection can delay payment 30-45 days
Document the specific non-contrast MRA technique used (TOF vs phase-contrast) and clinical indication in radiology report
Impact: Reduces medical necessity denials by 40-60%; strengthens appeal position if questioned
Check for bilateral carotid ultrasound (93880-93882) performed same day; some payers consider this duplicative testing
Impact: Prevents bundling denials; when both necessary, document distinct clinical indications for each modality
Bill facility and professional components separately when applicable using TC and 26 modifiers to maximize accuracy
Impact: Ensures proper payment distribution; prevents 100% payment going to wrong entity and subsequent recoupment
Confirm prior authorization was obtained before study; most commercial payers require pre-auth for MRA studies
Impact: Prevents denials averaging $212.84 per claim; pre-auth denials rarely overturned on appeal
When billing with head MRA (70544-70546), append modifier 59 to neck study if both medically necessary and separately documented
Impact: Protects additional $212.84 reimbursement; without modifier, neck study typically denied as inclusive

Common denials

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT code 70547 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement rate for CPT 70547 is $212.84 for both facility and non-facility settings. This rate is based on 6.58 total RVUs multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465. Actual payment may vary by geographic locality based on the GPCI adjustment.

What is the difference between CPT codes 70547, 70548, and 70549?

CPT 70547 is MR angiography of the neck WITHOUT contrast dye, 70548 is WITH contrast material, and 70549 is WITHOUT contrast followed by WITH contrast and further sequences. Code selection depends entirely on whether and when contrast was administered during the imaging session. Using the wrong code is a common cause of denial.

Does CPT 70547 require prior authorization from insurance?

Most commercial insurance plans and Medicare Advantage plans require prior authorization for CPT 70547 as it is an advanced imaging study. Traditional Medicare typically does not require prior authorization but does require medical necessity documentation. Always verify specific payer requirements before scheduling to avoid denial.

Can you bill CPT 70547 and carotid ultrasound on the same day?

Yes, but it requires careful documentation of medical necessity for both studies. Payers often question this combination as potentially duplicative. Document distinct clinical indications, such as ultrasound findings requiring MRA confirmation, or technical limitations of one modality. Append modifier 59 to the MRA to indicate a distinct service.

What diagnosis codes support medical necessity for CPT 70547?

Common supporting diagnosis codes include I63.x (cerebral infarction/stroke), G45.x (transient ischemic attack), I65.2 (carotid artery stenosis), I67.0 (carotid dissection), R42 (dizziness), and I77.0 (arteriovenous fistula). The diagnosis must demonstrate clinical need to evaluate neck vasculature and align with Local Coverage Determination (LCD) criteria.

How many RVUs is CPT code 70547 worth in 2025?

CPT 70547 has a total of 6.58 RVUs in 2025, consisting of 1.2 work RVUs, 5.3 practice expense RVUs, and 0.08 malpractice RVUs. The practice expense RVU is the same for both facility and non-facility settings at 5.3, which is why both settings reimburse at $212.84.

What modifiers are commonly used with CPT 70547?

The most common modifiers are 26 (professional component only) and TC (technical component only) when billing is split between radiologist interpretation and facility services. Modifier 59 is used when billing with other imaging on the same day to indicate distinct services. Modifier 76 indicates a repeat procedure by the same physician on the same day.