CPT 76019Radiology

Mr safety implt pos&/immoblj

CPT 76019 covers the radiologic supervision and interpretation for positioning and/or immobilizing a patient with implants before an MRI scan to ensure the procedure can be performed safely.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$145.56

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

0.6

PE RVU (NF)

3.84

MP RVU

0.06

Total RVU

4.5

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Document the specific implant type, manufacturer, model number, and MRI safety classification (MR Safe, MR Conditional, or MR Unsafe) in the interpretation report
Impact: Reduces denial rate by 35-40% and strengthens medical necessity documentation for audit defense
Bill 76019 only when actual radiologic imaging (fluoroscopy, radiography) is performed to verify position; do not bill for verbal screening or checklist completion alone
Impact: Prevents inappropriate billing that could result in recoupment of $145.56 per claim plus potential OIG penalties
Verify that the service is separately identifiable from the MRI procedure itself and not included in the primary imaging study code
Impact: Avoids unbundling denials and maintains the full $145.56 reimbursement when properly documented as distinct service
Ensure timing documentation shows the positioning/immobilization service was performed immediately before or in preparation for the MRI, not as part of routine pre-scan protocols
Impact: Strengthens medical necessity claims and reduces post-payment audit risk by 25-30%
When billing both 26 and TC components separately, ensure each claim contains appropriate modifier and different billing entities are used for hospital vs. physician
Impact: Prevents duplicate payment issues and maintains proper revenue distribution between facility and professional services
Cross-reference the primary MRI CPT code being performed and verify payer-specific policies regarding bundling with 76019 before claim submission
Reduces initial denial rate by 20-25% and accelerates payment timeline by avoiding appeal cycles

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Frequently asked questions

What is CPT code 76019 used for?

CPT 76019 is used for radiologic supervision and interpretation services when a physician uses imaging (such as fluoroscopy or X-ray) to verify the position and ensure proper immobilization of a patient with implants before an MRI scan. This is different from routine MRI safety screening and requires actual radiologic imaging to document implant position.

How much does Medicare pay for CPT 76019 in 2025?

Medicare pays $145.56 for CPT 76019 in 2025 under the national average payment rate (both facility and non-facility rates are identical). This is based on 4.5 total RVUs multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465.

Can CPT 76019 be billed with an MRI scan code?

Yes, CPT 76019 can be billed with an MRI scan code if it represents a distinct, separately identifiable service involving radiologic imaging for implant positioning. However, you must document that actual imaging (not just checklist screening) was performed specifically to verify implant position, and some payers may require modifier 59 to indicate a distinct procedural service.

What documentation is required to bill CPT 76019?

Documentation must include a formal radiologic interpretation report identifying the specific implant, describing the imaging modality used (fluoroscopy, radiography), documenting what anatomic areas were imaged, describing the implant's position, noting any adjustments made, and providing a final safety determination. The report must be signed by the interpreting physician with date and time stamps.

Do I need modifier 26 or TC when billing 76019?

Use modifier 26 when billing only the professional component (physician interpretation) without owning the equipment. Use modifier TC when billing only the technical component (equipment and staff) without physician interpretation. If the same entity provides both components, bill the code without modifiers for the global service.

What types of implants require CPT 76019?

CPT 76019 is typically used for patients with cardiac devices (pacemakers, defibrillators), neurostimulators, cochlear implants, orthopedic hardware in critical locations, or other metallic/electronic implants classified as MR Conditional that require radiologic verification of position to ensure safe MRI completion. The key is that radiologic imaging is actually performed, not just verbal screening.

Why do claims for CPT 76019 get denied?

The most common denials occur because payers bundle 76019 with the primary MRI procedure, consider it part of routine safety screening, or find insufficient documentation proving that separate radiologic imaging was medically necessary. Other denials result from missing interpretation reports, lack of implant identification, or failure to demonstrate the service was distinct from the MRI scan itself.