Summary & Overview
CPT 77046: Breast MRI, Non-Contrast, Single Breast
CPT code 77046 denotes a non-contrast, three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam of a single breast. The code is used to report imaging that produces volumetric detail without intravenous contrast, supporting diagnostic evaluation of focal breast abnormalities, surgical planning, and supplemental screening in specific clinical contexts. As breast MRI utilization grows with advances in imaging technology, accurate reporting of non-contrast single-breast exams remains important for clinical documentation, payer adjudication, and national utilization tracking.
Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of coding intent and clinical scope, payer coverage considerations, and common billing modifiers used with this service. The publication outlines typical sites of service such as outpatient imaging centers and hospital outpatient departments, and provides context on how the procedure fits into breast imaging workflows. Where specific utilization or reimbursement benchmarks are not provided, the report notes that data are not available in the input.
This summary equips billing managers, radiology administrators, and policy analysts with a concise reference to CPT code 77046, clarifying clinical purpose and operational settings for national-level planning and policy review.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 77046 describes a non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure that acquires three-dimensional images of a single breast using an external magnetic field and radiofrequency waves. This service captures detailed cross-sectional and volumetric information of one breast without the use of intravenous contrast medium.
Service Type
- Breast MRI, non-contrast, single breast
Typical Site of Service
- Outpatient imaging center
- Hospital outpatient department
- Ambulatory surgery center
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 52-year-old woman with a history of dense breast tissue and a recent suspicious finding on screening mammography is referred for a diagnostic breast MRI without contrast to further evaluate a focal architectural distortion in the left breast. The imaging appointment is scheduled at an outpatient radiology center. The MRI technologist confirms patient identity, screens for MRI safety (implants, pacemakers, metal, renal function not required for non-contrast study), explains the procedure, and positions the patient prone with the breast coil. The radiologist selects a non-contrast, high-resolution 3D T1-weighted and T2-weighted pulse sequence protocol to obtain a single-breast dataset, focusing on the area of concern. Images are obtained, processed into multiplanar reconstructions, and interpreted by the radiologist who documents findings, impression, and any recommendation for biopsy or contrast-enhanced study. Billing uses 77046 for the single-breast MRI without contrast; technical and professional components are split as appropriate when reporting.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the interpreting physician’s service separate from technical facility charge. |