CPT 74185Radiology

Mra abd w or w/o cntrst

CPT code 74185 covers magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the abdomen, an advanced imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to visualize blood vessels in the abdominal area, performed with or without contrast dye.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$331.55

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

1.8

PE RVU (NF)

8.31

MP RVU

0.14

Total RVU

10.25

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Verify and document whether contrast was administered; 74185 covers both with and without contrast scenarios, but documentation must clearly state which was performed
Impact: Prevents denials and downcoding; inadequate contrast documentation causes 15-20% of initial denials for this code
Do not bill 74185 with 74183 (MRI abdomen without contrast) on the same date of service for the same anatomical area - this is considered unbundling
Impact: Avoids automatic denial and potential audit flags; unbundling can result in $331.55 payment reversal plus potential recoupment
Ensure radiology report specifically mentions 'angiography' or 'vascular imaging' with description of vessels visualized; generic MRI language may trigger downcoding to 74183
Impact: Prevents downcoding from $331.55 to approximately $273, protecting $58+ in revenue per study
When billing global service (no modifier), confirm your facility owns both the equipment and employs the interpreting physician; split billing requires 26/TC modifiers
Impact: Prevents payment delays and recoupment; incorrect modifier usage causes 30-45 day payment delays
For Medicare patients, verify coverage under the appropriate benefit category (Part B outpatient vs Part A inpatient); place of service code must match claim type
Impact: Ensures correct adjudication pathway; POS errors cause denial of full $331.55 requiring claim resubmission
Document medical necessity with specific ICD-10 codes supporting vascular evaluation; non-specific codes like abdominal pain alone often trigger prior authorization denials

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT 74185 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average payment rate for CPT 74185 is $331.55 for both facility and non-facility settings. This is based on a total RVU of 10.25 multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465.

Does CPT 74185 include both with and without contrast?

Yes, CPT 74185 covers MRA of the abdomen performed either with contrast material, without contrast material, or both. The single code encompasses all contrast scenarios, unlike some other imaging code families that have separate codes for each contrast variation.

What is the difference between CPT 74185 and 74183?

CPT 74185 is specifically for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) focused on vascular imaging of abdominal blood vessels, while 74183 is for standard MRI of the abdomen without contrast focusing on soft tissue and organ evaluation. MRA uses specialized sequences optimized for vessel visualization and requires documentation of vascular assessment.

Can I bill CPT 74185 and 74183 together on the same date?

Generally no, billing both codes for the same anatomical area on the same date is considered unbundling and will result in denial. If both vascular and soft tissue imaging are performed during a single MRI session, code only 74185 if the primary focus is vascular imaging, or use the appropriate combination code if available.

What modifiers are commonly used with CPT 74185?

The most common modifiers are 26 (professional component only) and TC (technical component only) for split billing scenarios. Modifier 59 may be used to identify distinct procedural services when performed with other imaging. Modifier 52 is used for reduced services if the study is incomplete.

How many RVUs is CPT code 74185 worth?

CPT 74185 has a total of 10.25 RVUs for 2025, consisting of 1.8 work RVUs, 8.31 practice expense RVUs (both facility and non-facility), and 0.14 malpractice RVUs.

What documentation is required to bill CPT 74185?

Required documentation includes a physician order specifying MRA, a detailed radiology report describing vascular structures evaluated (aorta, mesenteric, renal arteries), contrast administration details or reason for non-contrast study, clinical indication supporting medical necessity, and the interpreting physician's signature. The report must clearly indicate this is angiography/vascular imaging, not standard MRI.