Summary & Overview
CPT 74183: MRI of Abdomen Without and With Contrast
CPT code 74183 denotes an abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study performed both without and with intravenous contrast during the same encounter. This combined study is widely used to evaluate liver, pancreas, kidneys, biliary tree, vasculature, and other intra-abdominal pathology when both noncontrast and contrast-enhanced sequences are clinically indicated. Nationally, accurate coding of mixed noncontrast/contrast MRI studies affects utilization tracking, clinical decision-making, and payer reimbursement workflows.
Key payers included in the analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication summarizes coverage and billing nuances relevant to these major payers and presents benchmarks where available. Readers will learn the clinical context for ordering an MRI with and without contrast, typical sites of service, common modifiers used with imaging claims (provided separately), and how this code relates to other abdominal imaging CPT codes. The report also outlines policy considerations, documentation expectations, and operational implications for imaging facilities and radiology practices handling contrast-enhanced abdominal MRI studies.
Data not available in the input is noted where applicable; the focus remains on delivering a clear, national overview of CPT code 74183 and its role in abdominal diagnostic imaging.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 74183 describes magnetic resonance imaging of the structures and organs of the abdomen performed first without contrast and then with additional sequences after intravenous contrast administration. The service type is diagnostic imaging (MRI with and without contrast) focused on abdominal organs and structures. The typical site of service is an outpatient imaging center or hospital radiology department equipped for MRI studies with contrast capabilities.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 58-year-old patient with a history of intermittent right upper quadrant abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and mildly elevated liver enzymes is referred by a gastroenterologist for cross-sectional imaging. The ordering clinician requests an MRI of the abdomen with and without contrast to characterize a suspicious hepatic lesion seen on prior ultrasound and to evaluate for additional focal liver lesions, biliary obstruction, or pancreatic abnormalities. The patient arrives at an outpatient imaging center or hospital radiology department after renal function assessment (serum creatinine/eGFR) confirms contrast can be administered. The MRI technologist reviews the screening questionnaire (contraindications such as pacemaker, intracranial aneurysm clip, or metal fragments) and obtains IV access. The exam protocol begins with multiple non-contrast sequences (including axial and coronal T1- and T2-weighted images, diffusion-weighted imaging, and in-phase/out-of-phase series) followed by gadolinium-based contrast injection and dynamic post-contrast sequences (arterial, portal venous, and delayed phases). The radiologist supervises image acquisition, interprets the study, and generates a diagnostic report detailing lesion characterization, enhancement patterns, and recommendations for correlation or follow-up. Typical sites of service include hospital outpatient radiology departments, freestanding imaging centers, or ambulatory surgical centers equipped for MRI studies.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component |