Summary & Overview

CPT 0698T: Quantitative MRI Tissue-Composition Analysis

CPT code 0698T designates an add-on MRI service that provides quantitative tissue-composition analysis for multiple organs, encompassing data acquisition, preparation, transmission, and a documented interpretation. As an adjunct to a diagnostic MRI of the same anatomy, this code enables reporting of advanced imaging analytics that can inform clinical management and research. Nationally, the code matters because it codifies a specialized, value-add imaging technique that impacts billing, clinical workflow, and payer coverage decisions for advanced MRI services.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of what CPT code 0698T represents, typical sites of service, and how the service fits into imaging care pathways. The publication summarizes available benchmarks and payer coverage patterns where present, highlights relevant policy considerations for add-on advanced imaging services, and provides clinical context for when quantitative tissue-composition MRI is used.

This summary is intended for a national audience and focuses on code definition, clinical use, billing context, and what stakeholders should understand about documentation and reporting for this add-on MRI analytic service.

AetnaBlue Cross Blue ShieldCigna HealthUnitedHealthcareMedicare0698TCPTMRIQuantitative ImagingAdd-on ServiceDiagnostic RadiologyImaging AnalyticsTissue CompositionMedical Billing

Billing Code Overview

CPT code 0698T describes an advanced MRI service that quantitatively analyzes tissue composition across multiple organs. The code represents the complete process of acquiring MRI data, preparing and transmitting quantitative tissue-composition data, and providing an interpretation and report. This is an add-on service performed in conjunction with a diagnostic MRI of the same anatomic region.

Service type: Quantitative MRI tissue-composition analysis (add-on to diagnostic MRI)

Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient imaging center or freestanding MRI/imaging facility

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A typical patient is a 58-year-old male with known nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and equivocal liver stiffness on prior ultrasound elastography, referred for quantitative MRI tissue composition mapping to assess hepatic fat fraction and iron concentration as part of disease staging. The workflow begins with an order placed by the hepatology clinic specifying quantitative MRI of the abdomen. On arrival, the patient is screened for MRI safety and contraindications, consented, and positioned in the MRI scanner for a diagnostic MRI of the abdomen with sequences for anatomic imaging. The technologist acquires additional quantitative mapping sequences (proton density fat fraction, R2*/T2* mapping) that generate raw parametric data. The imaging data are prepared and transmitted to a quantitative analysis system or vendor software where the specialized processing computes organ-specific tissue composition metrics. A radiologist or appropriately credentialed imaging physician performs the interpretation of the processed quantitative maps, documents a structured report including measured fat fraction and iron indices, and transmits the report to the ordering hepatologist. Billing is submitted as an add-on service in conjunction with the diagnostic MRI of the same anatomy using the quantitative mapping add-on 0698T and the primary anatomic MRI CPT for the abdomen.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`26`	Professional component

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
2086S0005X	Diagnostic Radiology	Primary specialty performing MRI acquisition and interpretation of quantitative maps.
207RH0000X	Radiology - Interventional	May be involved when quantitative MRI is used to plan or follow interventional procedures.
2080S0102X	Nuclear Radiology	Specialists with advanced imaging expertise who may perform quantitative tissue characterization.
208D00000X	Gastroenterology	Ordering and longitudinal management specialty using results for liver disease staging.
207L00000X	Hepatology	Specialty that frequently orders hepatic quantitative MR tissue composition mapping.

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
Data not available in the input.	Data not available in the input.	Data not available in the input.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`74183`	Magnetic resonance imaging, abdomen; with contrast material(s) and with further sequences	Often the primary diagnostic MRI of the abdomen performed in conjunction with quantitative mapping `0698T` for the same anatomy.
`74182`	Magnetic resonance imaging, abdomen; without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences	May be performed when both non-contrast and contrast imaging are obtained along with quantitative mapping.
`74181`	Magnetic resonance imaging, abdomen; without contrast material	Used when a non-contrast diagnostic MRI of the abdomen is the primary service alongside the quantitative add-on.
`76377`	3D rendering with interpretation/exam-based postprocessing	May be billed for advanced post-processing separate from vendor-specific quantitative mapping when applicable.
`71555`	Magnetic resonance imaging, chest, including mediastinum; without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences	Applicable when quantitative tissue mapping is performed for thoracic organs in conjunction with diagnostic chest MRI and analogous to `0698T` use for other anatomies.

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