Summary & Overview
CPT 73723: MRI Lower Extremity Joint, Without and With Contrast
CPT code 73723 represents magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a lower extremity joint performed first without contrast and then with intravenous contrast for additional sequences. This combined non-contrast and contrast MRI captures both baseline anatomy and contrast-enhanced tissue characterization, aiding diagnosis of internal derangements, soft-tissue masses, infection, and vascularized lesions. The code is commonly billed for knee, ankle, and other lower extremity joint evaluations in outpatient imaging centers and hospital outpatient departments.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of clinical context for ordering MRI with and without contrast, typical sites of service, common billing modifiers, and payer coverage considerations. The publication also summarizes benchmark utilization patterns and coding nuances relevant to authorization and claims submission workflows. Where specific payer policy details are unavailable, the text notes that data is not available in the input.
This national-level summary is intended for clinicians, coding professionals, and policy analysts seeking a concise reference for CPT code 73723, its clinical purpose, and the administrative considerations that affect imaging delivery and reimbursement.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 73723 describes a diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of a lower extremity joint performed without contrast followed by additional sequences after intravenous contrast administration. The procedure includes initial non-contrast imaging of the joint and subsequent post-contrast sequences to further evaluate internal joint structures, soft tissues, and vascularized lesions.
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Service type: Diagnostic imaging (MRI) with both non-contrast and contrast-enhanced sequences
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Typical site of service: Outpatient imaging center or hospital outpatient department
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 34-year-old athlete presents with progressive knee pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms (locking and clicking) after a twisting injury three weeks prior. The orthopedic surgeon orders an MRI of the knee with and without contrast to evaluate suspected internal derangement, occult chondral injury, or synovial pathology. The patient arrives at an outpatient imaging center where registration confirms identity, allergy history, and renal function when contrast is planned. The MRI technologist performs non-contrast sequences (proton density, T1, T2, STIR/FS) of the affected lower extremity joint. If non-contrast images are inconclusive for subtle cartilage lesions, occult infection, or synovial disease, the radiologist recommends and the technologist administers intra-articular or intravenous gadolinium contrast per protocol and acquires post-contrast sequences for enhanced evaluation. The radiologist interprets the study, issues a final report documenting findings (e.g., meniscal tear, cartilage defect, synovitis) and comparison to prior imaging if available. Images and report are transmitted to the ordering orthopedic surgeon for treatment planning; results may guide conservative management, injection therapy, or arthroscopic intervention.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the physician interpretation report separate from technical imaging charges. |