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CPT 73222: MRI Upper Extremity Joint With Contrast
CPT code 73222 represents magnetic resonance imaging of an upper extremity joint performed with contrast. This diagnostic procedure is commonly used to evaluate the shoulder, elbow, wrist, or joints of the hand for soft-tissue injuries, intra-articular pathology, infections, inflammatory conditions, and post-surgical assessment. Nationally, contrast-enhanced joint MRI is an important imaging modality that informs orthopedic, sports medicine, and rheumatologic care pathways and influences downstream clinical decisions.
Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise presentation of coverage and billing considerations across major national payers, common modifier usage, typical sites of service, and clinical context for appropriate use. The publication outlines benchmarks and policy-relevant items such as bundling and professional versus technical component reporting where available.
This summary provides clinicians, coding professionals, and policy analysts with an accessible reference to understand what CPT code 73222 covers, the settings where it is commonly performed, and the payer landscape relevant to national practice. Data not provided in the input, such as specific coverage criteria, reimbursement rates, and ICD-10 pairings, are noted as unavailable in the input.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 73222 describes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure of the upper extremity performed with contrast. The procedure may target any joint in the upper limb, including the shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand joints. This is a diagnostic imaging service performed by a qualified provider to visualize joint structures, soft tissues, and intra-articular pathology when contrast enhancement is required.
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Service type: Diagnostic MRI with contrast of an upper extremity joint
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Typical site of service: Outpatient imaging center, hospital outpatient department, or ambulatory surgical center