Summary & Overview
CPT 0724T: MRCP Quantitative Biliary System Assessment
CPT code 0724T is an add-on imaging analysis code for quantitative assessment of the biliary system using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) data and specialized software. It captures the provider work involved in preparing and transmitting MRCP datasets and delivering a formal interpretation and report. As an add-on code, 0724T is reported only in conjunction with a primary diagnostic MRI code for the same anatomic region.
This code matters nationally as advanced quantitative imaging and post-processing continue to expand in radiology practice, affecting coding workflows, documentation requirements, and reimbursement pathways for facilities and interpreting providers. The analysis covers coverage patterns and payment considerations for major payers: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.
Readers will learn the clinical scope of the code, the typical service context and site of service, and practical considerations for billing this add-on imaging analysis. The publication presents benchmark considerations, summaries of payer coverage approaches where available, and the clinical context linking MRCP acquisition with post-processing interpretation. Data not available in the input will be identified as such in relevant sections.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 0724T describes a quantitative assessment of the biliary system using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) data and dedicated software. The service includes preparation and transmission of imaging data and the provider's interpretation and written report.
Service type: Quantitative imaging analysis and interpretation
Typical site of service: Outpatient imaging center or hospital radiology department, provided in conjunction with a diagnostic MRI of the same anatomy.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a 55-year-old with intermittent right upper quadrant abdominal pain, abnormal liver function tests, and prior ultrasound suggesting biliary dilation. The ordering clinician (gastroenterologist or hepatobiliary surgeon) requests MRI of the abdomen with MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). The imaging facility performs a diagnostic MRI of the hepatobiliary region, acquires MRCP sequences, and transmits the MRCP volumetric data to advanced post-processing software. A radiologist or abdominal imaging subspecialist uses the software to generate quantitative assessments of the biliary tree (e.g., ductal diameter measurements, stricture length, volumetric maps) and prepares an interpretive report. Billing includes the primary diagnostic MRI CPT for the same anatomic region and the add-on code 0724T for the quantitative MRCP analysis and report. Typical workflow steps: pre-scan screening and patient consent; MRI acquisition with MRCP sequences; data export and post-processing; physician interpretation and generation of a formal report; image archiving and data transmission to referring provider. Typical sites of service are hospital outpatient departments and freestanding outpatient imaging centers that offer MRI services under the oversight of credentialed radiology providers.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the interpreting physician's professional component for the MRI/MRCP analysis separate from technical imaging services. |
TC | Technical component | Use when billing only the technical component (scanner, technologist, facility) for the MRI acquisition while another entity bills the professional component. |
22 | Unusual procedural services | Use when the MRCP post-processing and quantitation require substantially greater effort or time than typical and documentation supports increased work. |
52 | Reduced services | Use when the MRCP analysis is partially reduced or limited compared with the full service (e.g., incomplete post-processing due to insufficient data). |
53 | Discontinued procedure | Use when the MRI/MRCP acquisition or post-processing is terminated for patient safety or other documented reason prior to completion. |
80 | Assistant surgeon | Use when a surgical assistant is legitimately involved in a related interventional procedure; generally not used for pure MRCP interpretation. |
82 | Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident unavailable) | Similar to 80 when an assistant is required and a qualified resident is not available; rarely applicable to imaging-only services. |
AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist billing under surgeon | Use when an advanced practice provider bills for services in conjunction with a related procedural episode under facility rules; applicability depends on local payer policy. |
TG | PT/OT/SLP modifier indicating CAQH/other specific circumstances | Use only when required by payer for tracking advanced imaging post-processing modifiers (applies variably by payer and jurisdiction). |
| Taxonomy Code | Specialty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 207RC0000X | Radiology | Body/abdominal radiologists commonly perform MRCP interpretation and quantitative analysis. |
| 207RT0001X | Diagnostic Radiology | General diagnostic radiologists interpret MRI/MRCP studies in many settings. |
| 2080P0208X | Gastroenterology | Gastroenterologists may order and use MRCP quantitative reports for clinical management decisions. |
| 2080N0402X | Surgery, General | Hepatobiliary surgeons use quantitative MRCP data to plan operative or endoscopic interventions. |
| 363A00000X | Hospitalist/Clinical Provider | Hospital-based providers frequently coordinate inpatient MRI/MRCP studies and incorporate reports into care plans. |
Related Diagnoses
| ICD-10 Code | Description | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
K83.1 | Obstruction of bile duct | Direct indication for detailed biliary imaging and quantitative assessment of ductal obstruction by MRCP and 0724T analysis. |
K83.0 | Cholangitis | MRCP quantitation helps assess extent of biliary dilation and strictures contributing to infection risk and guides intervention planning. |
K80.20 | Calculus of gallbladder with other cholecystitis without obstruction | MRCP may be used when biliary stones are suspected to have migrated into ducts; quantitative MRCP can localize stones and ductal impact. |
K83.8 | Other specified diseases of biliary tract | Includes biliary strictures, sclerosing cholangitis variants where quantitative MRCP aids longitudinal assessment. |
C24.0 | Malignant neoplasm of extrahepatic bile duct | MRCP quantitative evaluation supports staging, measuring stricture length and biliary tree involvement for oncologic planning. |
K83.89 | Other specified biliary tract disorders | Captures additional biliary pathology where MRCP quantitation provides diagnostic detail and measurement for follow-up. |
Related CPT Codes
| CPT Code | Description | Relationship to This Procedure |
|---|---|---|
74183 | Magnetic resonance (MRI) abdomen, with MRCP sequences; without contrast material, followed by contrast material and further sequences (if applicable) | Primary diagnostic MRI of the abdomen including MRCP sequences; 0724T is billed in addition to the appropriate primary MRI CPT for quantitative MRCP analysis. |
74181 | Magnetic resonance (MRI) abdomen, without contrast material | May be used as the primary MRI CPT when contrast is not administered; 0724T is added-on for quantitative biliary assessment derived from MRCP data. |
76705 | Ultrasound, abdominal, real time with image documentation; limited (e.g., single organ, organ system) | Often performed before MRI as an initial evaluation of biliary dilation; MRCP with 0724T provides detailed quantitative follow-up. |
43260 | Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with diagnostic cholangiography, with or without sphincterotomy | ERCP is an interventional diagnostic/therapeutic procedure; quantitative MRCP (with 0724T) can guide need for ERCP or map strictures pre-procedure. |
76140 | Stereotactic guidance for interventional radiology procedures (image saved and correlated) | Advanced image post-processing and data transmission (elements of 0724T) may interface with interventional planning workflows that use stereotactic guidance. |