CPT® Code 76017

MR safety medical physics examination customization, planning and performance monitoring by medical physicist or MR safety expert, with review and analysis by physician or other qualified health care professional to prioritize and select views and imaging sequences, to tailor MR acquisition specific to restrictive requirements or artifacts associated with MR conditional implants or to mitigate risk of non-conditional implants or foreign bodies, with written report

The CPT® Code 76017 refers to a specialized medical physics examination focused on magnetic resonance (MR) safety. This procedure is conducted by a medical physicist or an MR safety expert who customizes the MR examination to accommodate the specific needs and constraints associated with a patient's implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers or neurostimulators. The process involves thorough preparatory planning and continuous performance monitoring throughout the examination. The customization is essential to ensure that the MR imaging is tailored to address any restrictive requirements or artifacts that may arise from the presence of MR conditional implants or to reduce the risks associated with non-conditional implants or foreign bodies. Prior to the MR examination, the medical physicist reviews all constraints related to the patient's implants alongside the proposed imaging protocol from the radiologist. This collaborative approach allows for the identification of problematic imaging sequences that may be affected by the foreign body, as well as the determination of appropriate radiofrequency levels to ensure patient safety. The customization process includes prioritizing specific views and imaging sequences that are critical for obtaining high-quality diagnostic images of the target anatomical region. During the examination, the procedure allows for real-time modifications based on feedback from the physician, who reviews the images as they are being acquired. This dynamic adjustment helps to further mitigate any potential risks to the patient by incorporating special equipment and making necessary adjustments to scan parameters. Ultimately, the medical physicist prepares a comprehensive written report detailing the customized MR examination, which serves as a crucial document for both clinical and billing purposes.