Summary & Overview
HCPCS C8909: Magnetic Resonance Angiography, Chest (with Contrast)
HCPCS Level II code C8909 denotes magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) with contrast of the chest excluding the myocardium. This diagnostic imaging code captures cross-sectional vascular imaging of thoracic arteries and veins for evaluation of structural and flow-related abnormalities. Nationally, MRA of the chest is an important noninvasive alternative to catheter angiography for assessing aortic disease, pulmonary vascular conditions, and preoperative planning.
Key payers commonly involved in coverage and reimbursement for this service include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication outlines clinical context for use, typical sites of service, and payer coverage considerations at a national level.
Readers will find a concise review of what the code represents, common clinical indications and settings, and the types of benchmarks and policy items typically examined for imaging services of this kind. The report also summarizes available payer coverage patterns, common billing practices related to service lines, and contextual policy updates affecting advanced imaging reimbursement. Data not provided in the input are noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code C8909 describes magnetic resonance angiography with contrast of the chest (excluding myocardium). This service is an imaging study that uses magnetic resonance techniques with intravenous contrast to visualize the thoracic vasculature, including the aorta, pulmonary arteries, and major mediastinal vessels, while excluding direct imaging of the myocardium.
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Service type: Diagnostic imaging — magnetic resonance angiography with contrast
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Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient imaging center or freestanding outpatient radiology facility
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 62-year-old patient with risk factors of hypertension, long-standing tobacco use, and peripheral vascular disease presents with new exertional chest tightness and a bruit heard over the supraclavicular region. The referring cardiologist requests a vascular imaging study to evaluate the thoracic great vessels and pulmonary arterial anatomy for suspected thoracic aortic branch stenosis and to exclude pulmonary embolic disease in a patient with contraindication to iodinated contrast. The patient is scheduled for a magnetic resonance angiography with gadolinium-based contrast focused on the chest (excluding myocardium) to assess the aortic arch, its branches, and pulmonary arterial circulation.
Workflow: The ordering clinician submits the indication and relevant history to the radiology department. Pre-procedure screening confirms renal function and absence of gadolinium contraindications. A diagnostic radiology team (MRI technologist, radiologist) performs the exam in an outpatient imaging center or hospital radiology suite. The study includes contrast administration, multiplanar angiographic sequences, and post-contrast timing to visualize arterial and venous phases. The interpreting radiologist documents vascular findings and comparison to prior imaging if available. The final report is transmitted to the referring clinician for treatment planning such as surgical referral, endovascular intervention, or medical management.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component |