Summary & Overview
HCPCS C8920: Magnetic Resonance Angiography Pelvis Without Then With Contrast
HCPCS Level II code C8920 represents magnetic resonance angiography of the pelvis performed first without contrast and then with intravenous contrast. This two-phase MRA technique is used to delineate pelvic arterial and venous anatomy, detect stenosis or occlusion, and provide complementary non-contrast and contrast-enhanced information in a single session. The code matters nationally as MRA is a common advanced imaging modality with implications for vascular diagnosis, pre-procedural planning, and care coordination across radiology and vascular specialties.
Key payers in this overview include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of the clinical context for the procedure, the typical sites of service, and the service type. The publication provides benchmarks and billing context where available, summarizes common modifier usage patterns supplied in the source data, and outlines policy and coverage considerations relevant to outpatient imaging providers and radiology groups. The summary also highlights areas where payers may apply bundling, prior authorization, or utilization management for advanced vascular imaging.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code C8920 describes magnetic resonance angiography without contrast followed by with contrast of the pelvis. The service is an imaging study that acquires non-contrast MR angiographic sequences first and then repeats angiographic imaging after intravenous contrast administration to evaluate pelvic vasculature.
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Service type: Diagnostic magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) with both non-contrast and contrast-enhanced phases
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Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient imaging center or outpatient radiology suite
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 64-year-old patient with a history of peripheral arterial disease and progressive claudication presents for vascular imaging of the pelvis to evaluate iliac and pelvic arterial anatomy prior to peripheral intervention. The referring vascular surgeon requests a detailed noninvasive angiographic study to identify stenosis, occlusion, or aneurysm in the pelvic arterial segments. The clinical workflow includes pre-procedure screening for MRI safety and renal function, scheduling the magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) study, performing the exam as a two-phase protocol — first MRA without intravenous contrast followed by MRA with gadolinium-based contrast — image post-processing with maximum intensity projections and multiplanar reconstructions, radiologist interpretation, and delivery of a structured report to the referring provider documenting arterial patency, stenosis severity, and any incidental findings.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier (default) | Use when no special circumstances modify the service. |
22 |