Summary & Overview
HCPCS A9553: Chromium Cr-51 Sodium Chromate, Diagnostic Study Dose
HCPCS Level II code A9553 identifies chromium cr-51 sodium chromate administered for diagnostic purposes, billed per study dose up to 250 microcuries. This radiopharmaceutical code is used in nuclear medicine procedures where chromium-51 labeling supports diagnostic assays or imaging, and it matters nationally because radiopharmaceuticals have distinct procurement, handling, and billing considerations that affect facility workflows and payer coverage decisions.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context for chromium cr-51 use, typical sites of service, and common billing considerations. The publication summarizes payer coverage benchmarks, coding and claim submission considerations, and any relevant policy updates or documentation requirements when available. It also outlines service-line implications for hospital outpatient departments and outpatient imaging centers that administer diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals.
Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, specific ICD-10 mappings, related billing codes, and payer-specific reimbursement rates is noted where applicable. The content is intended for national audiences including coding professionals, revenue cycle staff, and clinical managers seeking a clear reference for HCPCS Level II code A9553.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code A9553 describes chromium cr-51 sodium chromate used for diagnostic nuclear medicine studies, billed per study dose, up to 250 microcuries. The service type is diagnostic radiopharmaceutical administration for nuclear medicine imaging or laboratory evaluation. The typical site of service is hospital outpatient departments or outpatient imaging centers where radiopharmaceuticals are prepared and administered for diagnostic studies.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult referred by an outpatient hematology or nuclear medicine clinic for a red blood cell (RBC) survival or volume study using radiolabeled chromium: A9553 (Chromium Cr-51 sodium chromate, diagnostic, per study dose, up to 250 microcuries). The patient presents to an outpatient nuclear medicine or diagnostic radiopharmacy service. After verification of identity, informed consent, and review of indications (for example suspected hemolytic anemia, evaluation of RBC lifespan, assessment of splenic sequestration, or post-transfusion survival assessment), the radiopharmacy prepares a unit dose of Cr-51 sodium chromate. The technologist or nuclear medicine physician draws the patient’s blood, labels and mixes the specimen with the radiotracer under aseptic conditions, and reinfuses the labeled red blood cells or performs serial blood draws per protocol. Serial blood samples are obtained at defined time points and assayed in the laboratory to measure radioactivity and calculate RBC survival or volume. The procedure typically occurs in an outpatient nuclear medicine department, hospital radiopharmacy, or specialized hematology clinic with radiation safety oversight and appropriate disposal of radioactive waste. Documentation includes indication, dose administered (up to 250 microcuries), lot number, route, time, patient tolerance, and interpretation of survival or sequestration results by the interpreting physician.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|