CPT 76018Radiology

Mr safety implant elec prepj

CPT 76018 covers the evaluation of a patient's implanted electronic device to determine if it's safe to proceed with an MRI scan that requires contrast injection. This safety check ensures the implant won't malfunction or cause harm during the imaging procedure.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$111.60

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

0.75

PE RVU (NF)

2.66

MP RVU

0.04

Total RVU

3.45

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Document the specific implanted device make, model, and serial number in the medical record along with the manufacturer's MRI safety classification (MR Safe, MR Conditional, or MR Unsafe)
Impact: Essential for audit defense; missing device identification is the primary reason for claim denials and can result in loss of the full $111.60 reimbursement
Bill 76018 only when contrast injection is planned as part of the MRI study; do not bill for routine MRI safety screenings without contrast
Impact: Prevents inappropriate billing denials; ensures compliance with CPT descriptor requirements that specifically reference 'pre-injection' evaluation
Ensure the safety evaluation is performed and documented by a physician, not delegated entirely to nursing or technical staff, even though they may assist with initial screening
Impact: Medicare and most commercial payers require physician-level work; non-physician documentation can trigger $111.60 recoupment in post-payment audits
When multiple implanted devices are present (e.g., pacemaker and neurostimulator), document evaluation of each device separately but bill 76018 only once per encounter
Impact: Comprehensive documentation supports medical necessity without risking duplicate billing denials; append modifier 76 only if true repeat evaluation on same day
Verify that the MRI study being planned actually requires contrast; link the safety evaluation directly to the specific scheduled MRI procedure in documentation
Impact: Clear linkage to contrast-enhanced MRI prevents denial based on medical necessity; saves appeals time and preserves the 3.45 RVU reimbursement

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Frequently asked questions

What is CPT code 76018 used for?

CPT 76018 is used to bill for the physician's evaluation of a patient's implanted electronic device (such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, or neurostimulator) to determine if it is safe to proceed with an MRI scan that requires contrast injection. The 2025 Medicare reimbursement is $111.60 with 3.45 total RVUs.

Can 76018 be billed for every MRI safety screening?

No, CPT 76018 should only be billed when the planned MRI study specifically requires contrast injection. The code descriptor includes 'pre-injection' as a key component. Routine MRI safety screenings for non-contrast studies should not be billed using 76018.

Who can perform and bill for CPT 76018?

CPT 76018 must be performed or directly supervised by a physician with expertise in MRI safety and implanted device compatibility. Radiologists and other physicians overseeing MRI services typically bill this code. The physician must personally review device specifications and document the safety determination.

How much does Medicare pay for CPT 76018 in 2025?

Medicare pays $111.60 for CPT 76018 in 2025 (national average for both facility and non-facility settings). The code carries 3.45 total RVUs, consisting of 0.75 work RVUs, 2.66 practice expense RVUs, and 0.04 malpractice RVUs, multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465.

What documentation is required to bill CPT 76018?

Required documentation includes the specific implanted device make and model, MRI safety classification, confirmation that contrast injection is planned, physician review of manufacturer safety guidelines, final safety determination, and physician signature. Missing device identification is the most common reason for claim denials.

Can 76018 be billed with other radiology codes?

Yes, CPT 76018 is typically billed in addition to the MRI procedure code (e.g., brain MRI with contrast). It represents separate preparatory work distinct from the imaging interpretation. However, it should not be billed with duplicate evaluation codes on the same date of service without modifier 59 to indicate a distinct service.

What is the difference between billing 76018 in facility versus non-facility settings?

For CPT 76018, the 2025 Medicare rates are identical: $111.60 for both facility and non-facility settings. Both settings also have the same practice expense RVU of 2.66. This is unusual for radiology codes and reflects that the work is predominantly professional evaluation rather than equipment-dependent technical services.