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CPT 70544: Magnetic Resonance Angiography of Head, No Contrast
CPT code 70544 identifies a non-contrast magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the head and adjacent vessels. This diagnostic imaging code is used when MR techniques map cerebral and extracerebral arterial anatomy without intravenous contrast. Nationally, non-contrast MRA is important for evaluating vascular diseases when contrast is contraindicated or when flow-sensitive imaging is preferred.
Key payers covered in the analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical context for using non-contrast head MRA, common clinical indications, and how this code relates to nearby imaging codes (contrast and non-contrast brain MRI variants and CT alternatives). The publication summarizes typical sites of service and the role of this test in diagnostic pathways for cerebrovascular and neuro-oncologic conditions.
The report provides benchmark-focused content: code definition, related service comparisons, and payer coverage context. It also flags common associated diagnoses seen with head vascular imaging and lists related imaging codes for cross-reference. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 70544 describes a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the head and surrounding vessels performed without contrast. The procedure captures detailed vascular images of the intracranial and extracranial arteries using MR techniques that do not require intravenous contrast agents.
Service Type: Diagnostic imaging — magnetic resonance angiography (non-contrast)
Typical Site of Service: Hospital outpatient radiology department, independent imaging center, or ambulatory surgical center
National Reimbursement Benchmarks
National rates for CPT 70544 show a clear split between Medicare and commercial averages: Medicare's mean is $149.10, while BUCA (as an average commercial benchmark) has a markedly higher mean of $554.70, roughly $405.60 above Medicare. This gap highlights the substantial premium commercial arrangements can command relative to the programmatic Medicare average.
Dispersion varies materially across payers. Calculated P75–P25 ranges: Aetna $220.20, Blue Cross Blue Shield $280.90, BUCA $218.60, Cigna $303.90, UnitedHealth Group $266.50, and Medicare $152.00. Cigna shows the widest interquartile spread at $303.90, indicating greater variability in mid-range commercial rates, while Medicare is the tightest at $152.00, reflecting more constrained locality variation compared with commercial payers.