CPT® Code 74712

Official Description

Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, fetal, including placental and maternal pelvic imaging when performed; single or first gestation

Common Language Description

Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a specialized imaging technique utilized to assess potential disorders or anomalies in a developing fetus that may have been identified through ultrasound examinations. This procedure is specifically conducted during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, as the size of the fetus in the first trimester is typically too small for effective imaging. MRI is favored for its ability to produce highly detailed images compared to ultrasound, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of fetal abnormalities, particularly those affecting critical areas such as the brain, chest, and abdomen. The safety profile of MRI is another significant advantage, as it does not involve the use of ionizing radiation, making it a non-invasive and safer alternative to other imaging modalities. During the MRI procedure, the pregnant patient is positioned comfortably on a motorized exam table that moves into a large MRI scanner, which houses a powerful magnet. The imaging process involves the transmission of radio waves from a scanner within the magnetic field, which causes the hydrogen atoms in the body to align in a specific manner. As these nuclei return to their normal alignment, they emit radiofrequency signals that are captured and processed by a computer, resulting in high-resolution, three-dimensional images of the fetus. The entire procedure typically lasts between 30 to 40 minutes, and a microphone within the scanner allows for communication between the mother and the technologist throughout the imaging process. Importantly, extensive research has indicated that the normal application of the magnetic field and radio waves during MRI poses no adverse effects to the mother or the fetus.

1. Indications

The indications for performing fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) include the following:

Evaluation of Anomalies Fetal MRI is indicated for the assessment of suspected fetal anomalies that have been identified through ultrasound imaging.
Detailed Assessment It is utilized to provide a more detailed evaluation of specific areas of concern, particularly the brain, chest, and abdomen of the fetus.
Second and Third Trimester Imaging The procedure is specifically indicated for use during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, when the fetus is sufficiently developed for accurate imaging.

2. Procedure

The procedure for fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) involves several key steps, which are detailed as follows:

Patient Preparation The pregnant patient is first prepared for the MRI by ensuring that she is comfortable and informed about the procedure. She is positioned on a motorized exam table that is designed to move into the MRI scanner.
Entering the MRI Scanner Once the patient is ready, the exam table is gently moved into the large MRI tunnel scanner, which contains a powerful magnet necessary for the imaging process.
Imaging Process During the imaging, radio waves are transmitted from a scanner located within the strong magnetic field. This interaction causes the hydrogen atoms in the patient's body to align in a specific manner.
Signal Emission and Processing As the hydrogen nuclei realign themselves, they emit a specific radiofrequency signal. This signal is captured and processed by a computer, which converts the data into high-resolution, three-dimensional images of the fetus.
Communication with Technologist Throughout the procedure, a microphone within the scanner allows the mother to communicate with the technologist, ensuring that she feels comfortable and informed during the imaging process.
Duration of the Procedure The entire MRI procedure typically lasts between 30 to 40 minutes, during which the technologist monitors the imaging process to ensure quality results.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the fetal MRI, the patient may be monitored briefly to ensure her comfort and well-being. There are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements, as the MRI is a non-invasive procedure with no known adverse effects associated with its normal use. The results of the imaging will be analyzed by a radiologist, who will provide a detailed report to the referring physician. This report will assist in determining any further necessary evaluations or interventions based on the findings of the MRI.

Short Descr	MRI FETAL SNGL/1ST GESTATION
Medium Descr	FETAL MRI W/PLACNTL MATRNL PLVC IMG SING/1ST GES
Long Descr	Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, fetal, including placental and maternal pelvic imaging when performed; single or first gestation
Status Code	Active Code
Global Days	XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC)	1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services
Multiple Procedures (51)	4 - Special payment adjustment rules on the technical component (TC) of multiple diagnostic imaging procedures apply...
Bilateral Surgery (50)	0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions	09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82)	0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62)	0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66)	0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family	88 -
APC Status Indicator	Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple
ASC Payment Indicator	Radiology service paid separately when provided integral to a surgical procedure on ASC list; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS)	4 - Diagnostic Radiology
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS)	I2D - Advanced imaging - MRI/MRA: other
MUE	1

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

74713

Female Edit Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, fetal, including placental and maternal pelvic imaging when performed; each additional gestation (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

26	Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
77	Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
CR	Catastrophe/disaster related
GC	This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
MG	The order for this service does not have applicable appropriate use criteria in the qualified clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional
X5	Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician