CPT 76014 MR Safety Assessment Reimbursement

CPT code 76014 represents a focused, documented MR safety assessment performed by trained clinical staff to evaluate implants or foreign bodies before magnetic resonance imaging. Nationally, this code matters because it standardizes billing for a safety-critical pre-imaging evaluation that can prevent adverse events and ensure appropriate use of MR imaging resources. Inclusion of a written report and a defined 15-minute time unit enables clearer documentation and billing for services that are distinct from the imaging procedure itself.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find benchmarks for utilization and reimbursement where available, summaries of relevant policy language from major payers, and the clinical context for when an MR safety assessment is billed separately from the MR scan. The publication outlines common billing scenarios, coding considerations tied to time and documentation, and areas where payers may differ in coverage or prior authorization requirements.

This overview is intended for national audiences including radiology departments, compliance officers, and billing professionals seeking a concise reference on when and how CPT code 76014 is used, what documentation supports it, and how it relates to MR patient safety workflows.

Billing Code Overview

CPT code 76014 describes a service in which trained clinical staff perform an assessment of magnetic resonance (MR) safety related to patient implants or foreign bodies. The service covers the first 15 minutes of a focused MR safety evaluation and includes a written report documenting the assessment.

Service type: MR safety assessment by trained clinical staff

Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient imaging centers, outpatient radiology departments, or other outpatient settings where MR scans are performed

Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes.

Clinical Context

A middle-aged patient scheduled for a brain MRI presents for pre-imaging screening because they report prior orthopedic surgery with possible retained hardware and a history of a metallic foreign body in the orbit from a remote work-related injury. Trained clinical staff perform an MR safety assessment before the scan to determine whether ferromagnetic implants, active implanted devices, or orbital metallic fragments are present and whether the patient can safely undergo magnetic resonance imaging. The technician documents the time spent — typically the first 15 minutes — interviews the patient about prior surgeries, reviews implant cards and prior operative reports when available, and examines prior imaging (plain radiographs, CT) for evidence of metallic fragments or devices. When uncertainty remains about device MR-conditional status, staff escalate to a radiologist or MR medical physicist for further review. A written report is generated summarizing findings, implant make/model when known, screening questions responses, and the final clearance status (cleared, conditional with restrictions, or contraindicated). Typical site of service is an outpatient imaging center or hospital radiology department. The service type is MR safety screening/assessment performed by trained clinical staff and documented in the medical record prior to MRI scanning.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`26`	Professional component	Use when billing only the professional component of a service provided by a physician (e.g., physician review of MR safety when professional interpretation is billed separately).

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207RP0000X	Radiology	Radiologists oversee MR safety decisions and interpret imaging.
208000000X	Diagnostic Radiology	Diagnostic radiologists commonly supervise MR protocols and clearance.
363L00000X	MR Technologist	Magnetic resonance technologists perform screening and document the assessment.
2084P0800X	Neuroradiology	Subspecialty radiologists consulted for intracranial metallic fragments or complex device labeling.
364S00000X	Medical Physicist	MR medical physicists advise on device heating, specific absorption rate limits, and conditional scanning parameters.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`T81.89XA`	Other complications of procedures, initial encounter	Relevant when prior surgical implants or complications raise concern about MR safety.
`S05.89XA`	Other injury of eye and orbit, initial encounter	Relevant for patients with history of ocular foreign body where MR screening must assess for intraorbital metal.
`Z98.890`	Other specified postprocedural states	Used for documenting prior implantable devices that may affect MR safety.
`Z45.2`	Encounter for adjustment and management of implanted mechanical device	Pertinent when patients have implanted monitoring or therapeutic devices that require MR-conditional assessment.
`M96.841`	Presence of internal fixation device, right femur	Example code for documented orthopedic hardware prompting MR safety review for related imaging studies.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`70551`	Magnetic resonance imaging, brain (without contrast), routine diagnostic	Common diagnostic MRI for which MR safety screening (`76014`) is performed immediately prior to scanning.
`70553`	Magnetic resonance imaging, brain, without and with contrast	Performed when clinical indication requires contrast; MR safety screening ensures compatibility prior to contrast-enhanced study.
`70544`	Magnetic resonance imaging, orbit, face, skull base, without contrast	MR safety screening is critical for suspected intraorbital metallic foreign bodies before orbital MR imaging.
`77046`	Magnetic resonance guidance for interventional procedures	MR safety assessment precedes any MR-guided intervention to confirm device and patient safety.
`99070`	Supplies and materials (used for procedures), e.g., MR safety forms or implant cards (when billable by facility per payer rules)	Administrative and documentation supplies used in the MR safety process; may be facility-billed according to payer policy.

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Summary & Overview

CPT 76014: MR Safety Assessment for Implants or Foreign Bodies