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This CPT® code 77022 pertains to the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance specifically for the monitoring of parenchymal tissue ablation procedures. Parenchymal tissue refers to the functional cells within an organ, such as those found in the liver, kidneys, or various glands, distinguishing them from the structural stroma cells, which include blood vessels and connective tissues. The process of ablation involves the targeted application of destructive energy to induce cell death, leading to localized necrosis and the formation of scar tissue, which ultimately results in the shrinkage of the affected area. MRI is employed to accurately localize the target area for ablation, ensuring precision in the procedure. During the ablation process, the appropriate device—such as a needle, catheter, or other energy application tools—is inserted under the guidance of MRI. This technique is particularly beneficial for procedures aimed at destroying tumors or masses within the parenchymal tissue. MRI is a noninvasive imaging modality that does not involve radiation exposure. It leverages the magnetic properties of hydrogen atoms present in the body; when subjected to radio waves within a strong magnetic field, these hydrogen nuclei emit radiofrequency signals. A computer processes these signals to generate high-resolution tomographic and three-dimensional images, allowing for detailed visualization of the target area. The devices utilized in conjunction with MRI guidance may feature specialized metallic ringlets, be coated with contrast materials, or incorporate signal-receiving coils at their tips to enhance imaging quality and procedural accuracy.
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The following indications are explicitly associated with the use of CPT® code 77022 for magnetic resonance imaging guidance in parenchymal tissue ablation procedures:
The procedural steps for CPT® code 77022 are as follows:
Post-procedure care following the use of CPT® code 77022 involves monitoring the patient for any immediate adverse effects related to the ablation. Patients may be observed for signs of complications such as bleeding or infection at the insertion site. Follow-up imaging may be scheduled to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the ablation and to monitor for any recurrence of the targeted lesions. The healthcare provider will provide specific instructions regarding activity restrictions and any necessary follow-up appointments to ensure optimal recovery and management of the patient's condition.
| Short Descr | MRI GDN PARNCHYMA TISS ABLTJ | Medium Descr | MRI GUIDANCE FOR PARENCHYMAL TISSUE ABLATION | Long Descr | Magnetic resonance imaging guidance for, and monitoring of, parenchymal tissue ablation | Status Code | Carriers Price the Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple 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 | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates | ASC Payment Indicator | Packaged service/item; no separate payment made. | Type of Service (TOS) | 4 - Diagnostic Radiology | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | I2D - Advanced imaging - MRI/MRA: other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 198 - Magnetic resonance imaging |
| 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. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 52 | Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use). | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | TC | Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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Action
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Notes
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| 2021-01-01 | Note | Guidelines changed. |
| 2019-01-01 | Changed | Description Changed |
| 2007-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2007. |
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