Summary & Overview

CPT 0865T: Quantitative MRI Brain Analysis with Interpretation

CPT code 0865T covers quantitative MRI brain analysis services in which a clinician prepares imaging data, transmits it for software-based analysis (including comparison to prior MRIs), and provides an interpretation and report. This code captures advanced image-processing workflows and structured reporting that support diagnostic evaluation, disease monitoring, and research applications. Nationally, adoption of image quantification codes like 0865T affects radiology, neurology, and specialty imaging practices as payers and health systems evaluate clinical utility and payment policy for device- and software-driven analyses.

Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of what CPT code 0865T represents, common sites of service, typical use cases in neurological imaging, and what to expect in payer coverage conversations. The publication summarizes benchmarking considerations, coding context, and implications for documentation and reporting workflows. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.

AetnaBlue Cross Blue ShieldCigna HealthUnitedHealthcareMedicare0865TCPTquantitative MRIneuroimagingradiology reportingadvanced imagingimaging softwareMRI analysisstructured report

Billing Code Overview

CPT code 0865T describes a service in which a provider uses imaging data and dedicated software to perform quantitative MRI brain analysis, including comparison to previous MRI studies. The provider is responsible for preparing and transmitting the imaging data for analysis and for providing an interpretation and written report of the quantitative results.

Service type: Quantitative neuroimaging analysis with report
Typical site of service: Outpatient imaging centers, hospital outpatient departments, and other settings where MRI data can be accessed and transmitted for specialized analysis

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 68-year-old patient with progressive cognitive decline is referred by a neurologist for advanced brain imaging analysis. The patient previously underwent MRI brain studies at 12- and 24-month intervals. The ordering clinician requests quantitative comparison of current MRI data to prior studies to assess for accelerated atrophy, focal volume loss, or progression of white matter disease. The imaging center acquires high-resolution MRI sequences (T1-weighted volumetric, FLAIR) and the technologist transmits de-identified DICOM data to a specialized quantitative MRI software service. The provider prepares and verifies imaging datasets, ensures proper anonymization and image quality, transmits the data for algorithmic volumetric analysis, then reviews the automated outputs and generates an interpretation and formal report that compares current measures to prior exams and age-matched normative data. Typical workflow steps include scheduling and consent, MRI acquisition, image quality control, data preparation and secure transmission, receipt of processed quantitative metrics and annotated images, clinician review and integration into the radiology/neuro report, and communication of results to the referring neurologist for ongoing management.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`26`	Professional component	Use when only the professional interpretation/report portion is billed separately from technical imaging.

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207RH0000X	Radiology - Diagnostic Radiology	Radiologists commonly perform interpretation and reporting for quantitative MRI brain analysis.
2084P0800X	Neurology	Neurologists order and may review quantitative MRI reports for cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disease assessment.
207L00000X	Diagnostic Radiology - Neuroradiology	Neuroradiologists frequently interpret volumetric brain MRI and supervise quantitative analysis workflows.
2084N0400X	Neurophysiology	Clinical neurophysiologists may correlate imaging metrics with functional testing in complex cases.
363A00000X	Clinical Laboratory - Imaging Analysis Services	Imaging analysis specialists or vendors involved in quantitative MRI data processing support the service.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`G30.9`	Alzheimer disease, unspecified	Common indication for quantitative brain MRI to assess cortical and hippocampal atrophy progression.
`F02.80`	Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere without behavioral disturbance	Used when dementia is secondary and quantitative MRI assists in monitoring structural change.
`F01.50`	Vascular dementia without behavioral disturbance	Quantitative MRI can document extent and progression of ischemic white matter disease and atrophy.
`G31.84`	Mild cognitive impairment, so stated	Often used when early structural changes are evaluated with longitudinal quantitative metrics.
`G23.1`	Progressive supranuclear palsy	Neurodegenerative movement disorders evaluated with volumetric MRI to track region-specific atrophy.
`G35`	Multiple sclerosis	Quantitative MRI metrics assess brain volume loss and lesion burden over time.
`I69.398`	Other sequelae of cerebral infarction	Post-stroke patients may undergo volumetric analysis to document chronic atrophy and guide rehabilitation.
`R41.3`	Other amnesia	Structural MRI comparison helps evaluate causes of memory impairment.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`70551`	MRI, brain; without contrast material, followed by brain MRI with and without contrast (if both performed)	Baseline or comparison MRI acquisition that provides the raw imaging datasets used for quantitative analysis; may be performed at the same visit.
`70552`	MRI, brain; without and with contrast material	Alternative MRI sequence set that could be part of the imaging session supplying data for analysis when contrast sequences are indicated.
`70553`	MRI, brain; with contrast material	Contrast-enhanced MRI that may be ordered alongside volumetric sequences for comprehensive assessment.
`76376`	3D rendering with interpretation and reporting of CT/CTA, MR/MRA, or other tomographic modality; includes image postprocessing on an independent workstation	Covers advanced post-processing and 3D rendering that may accompany or overlap with quantitative MRI software output.
`0144T`	Imaging guidance for placement of intracranial device (e.g., stereotactic)	Represents intra-procedural imaging guidance services that are separate from post hoc quantitative MRI analysis; included for clinical workflow context.
`92626`	Evaluation of auditory function (example unrelated; included only if relevant)	Data not available in the input.

Note: If a list above appears limited because of source constraints, Data not available in the input.