Summary & Overview
HCPCS C8901: Magnetic Resonance Angiography Without Contrast, Abdomen
HCPCS Level II code C8901 denotes magnetic resonance angiography of the abdomen performed without intravenous contrast. This non-contrast vascular imaging option is clinically important for patients with renal impairment, contrast allergies, or when contrast is otherwise contraindicated. Nationally, non-contrast MRA contributes to diagnostic pathways for abdominal aortic aneurysm evaluation, renal artery stenosis assessment, and preoperative vascular mapping.
Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of coverage and billing context across major national payers, plus clinical context for when non-contrast MRA is used. The publication summarizes typical sites of service and outlines which aspects of service lines and documentation commonly affect billing and classification.
This report is intended to inform coding, billing, and administrative teams about the clinical purpose of C8901, payer coverage landscape, and the operational considerations surrounding non-contrast abdominal MRA. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code C8901 describes magnetic resonance angiography without contrast, abdomen. This procedure involves non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging techniques to visualize the abdominal vasculature and assess blood vessels for stenosis, aneurysm, or other vascular pathology.
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Service type: Diagnostic imaging using magnetic resonance angiography without intravenous contrast
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Typical site of service: Outpatient imaging centers or hospital radiology departments
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 62-year-old patient with chronic abdominal pain and suspected mesenteric ischemia is referred for a non-contrast vascular imaging study of the abdomen. The patient has renal insufficiency (eGFR 35 mL/min/1.73m2) that contraindicates gadolinium-based contrast agents. The referring vascular surgeon requests evaluation of the abdominal aorta and mesenteric and renal arteries to assess for stenosis or occlusion.
The clinical workflow: the patient arrives at the outpatient radiology suite or hospital imaging department. Pre-procedure screening confirms contraindications to contrast and reviews implanted devices. The MRI technologist performs a magnetic resonance angiography without contrast of the abdomen (C8901), using time-of-flight or non-contrast MRA sequences optimized for abdominal vasculature. A radiologist with vascular MR experience interprets the images and issues a report describing arterial patency, stenosis severity, and any aneurysm or dissection. Results are communicated to the referring vascular surgeon or internist for management planning.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the physician interpretation of the MRA study. |