HCPCS Level II C8933: Magnetic Resonance Angiography of Spinal Canal, Without and With Contrast

HCPCS Level II code C8933 describes a magnetic resonance angiography procedure of the spinal canal and its contents performed without contrast followed by with contrast; the service is an imaging study (magnetic resonance angiography) of the spinal canal and associated neural structures and is typically provided in an outpatient imaging center or hospital outpatient department.

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HCPCS Level II C8933: Magnetic Resonance Angiography of Spinal Canal, Without and With Contrast

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Get alerted when payer policies referencing C8933 are released or updated.

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A typical patient is an adult presenting with progressive lower extremity numbness, radicular back pain, or neurologic deficits suggesting spinal cord or nerve root compression. The patient may have a prior history of degenerative spine disease, prior spine surgery, suspected vascular malformation of the spinal canal, spinal tumor, trauma, or signs of myelopathy. After initial clinical evaluation and plain radiographs or non-contrast MRI, the ordering clinician requests a comprehensive magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the spinal canal and contents performed without intravenous contrast followed by a separate acquisition with contrast to evaluate both non-vascular and vascular anatomy.

The clinical workflow: the patient is scheduled in the radiology department for a combined non-contrast and contrast-enhanced spine MRA. Pre-procedure screening verifies MRI safety, renal function (e.g., estimated glomerular filtration rate) when gadolinium is planned, and informed consent. Non-contrast sequences (including time-of-flight or other flow-sensitive techniques) are obtained first to assess baseline anatomy and flow phenomena; intravenous gadolinium is then administered and post-contrast angiographic sequences are acquired to better delineate vascular malformations, tumor enhancement, inflammatory or neoplastic processes, and epidural venous plexus abnormalities. Radiology documents both the non-contrast and contrast phases, any complications, and provides a combined interpreted report. Billing uses HCPCS Level II code C8933 for the combined study; applicable modifiers are appended per payer and circumstance, and correlation with diagnostic ICD-10 codes for spinal cord compression, vascular lesions, tumors, or trauma is included on the claim.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`72156`	Magnetic resonance imaging, spinal canal and contents, lumbar; without contrast material followed by with contrast material and further sequences	A closely related CPT study for lumbar spine MRI performed both without and with contrast — used when payer requires CPT rather than HCPCS Level II coding for comprehensive MRI of the lumbar spine.
`72158`	Magnetic resonance imaging, spinal canal and contents, lumbar; with and without contrast material, enhancement and further sequences	Alternative CPT descriptor for combined non-contrast and contrast-enhanced lumbar spine MRI — used in coding workflow when CPT mapping is required.
`72141`	Magnetic resonance imaging, spinal canal and contents, cervical; without contrast material followed by with contrast material and further sequences	Cervical spine equivalent when the study targets the cervical spinal canal and contents in this two-phase approach.
`72142`	Magnetic resonance imaging, spinal canal and contents, cervical; with and without contrast material, enhancement and further sequences	Alternative cervical spine CPT descriptor used in coding crosswalks.
`70498`	Magnetic resonance angiography, head, without and with contrast material, including non-contrast and contrast sequences when performed	Not a spine code but represents MRA protocol structure; occasionally referenced for protocol similarities and technical guidance when developing spine MRA sequences.
`77012`	Computed tomography guidance for spinal procedures (example)	Represents other imaging-guided procedures that may be performed in the same episode of care (e.g., CT-guided spine injections) and billed separately; listed as commonly associated services in complex spine evaluations.

Related Modifiers

7 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
22	Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…	- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
23	Modifier -23 (Unusual Anesthesia) is used on anesthesia service CPT codes when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia…	- Use modifier -23 only on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia because of…
26	Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…	- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
51	Modifier –51 (Multiple Procedures) is used when the same provider performs multiple procedures in the same session to identify secondary, non‑exempt procedures and indicate payment reduction logic…	- Use modifier -51 when the same provider performs multiple distinct procedures during the same patient encounter: report the highest‑valued procedure first (no modifier) and append -51 to…
52	Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…	- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
53	Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…	- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
62	Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…	- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
2086S0102X	Surgical Critical Care Physician	A surgeon with expertise in the management of the critically ill and postoperative patient, particularly the trauma victim, who specializes in critica…
207RC0000X	Cardiovascular Disease Physician	An internist who specializes in diseases of the heart and blood vessels and manages complex cardiac conditions such as heart attacks and life-threaten…
207L00000X	Anesthesiology Physician	An anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an opera…
2084N0400X	Neurology Physician	A Neurologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases or impaired function of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, muscles, auton…
261QP0904X	Federal Public Health Clinic/Center	Ambulatory Health Care Facilities · Clinic/Center
171WV0202X	Vehicle Modifications Contractor	A contractor who makes modifications to private vehicles to accommodate a health condition.
1223X2210X	Orofacial Pain Dentistry	A dentist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats patients with complex chronic orofacial pain and dysfunction disorders, oromotor and jaw behavior disord…
207LP3000X	Pediatric Anesthesiology Physician	An anesthesiologist who has had additional skill and experience in and is primarily concerned with the anesthesia, sedation, and pain management needs…

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

23 rows

ICD-10-CM Code	Description
G83.4	Cauda equina syndrome
G89.29	Other chronic pain
G95.9	Disease of spinal cord, unspecified
M43.16	Spondylolisthesis, lumbar region
M43.17	Spondylolisthesis, lumbosacral region
M47.26	Other spondylosis with radiculopathy, lumbar region
M47.27	Other spondylosis with radiculopathy, lumbosacral region
M48.02	Spinal stenosis, cervical region
M48.04	Spinal stenosis, thoracic region
M48.07	Spinal stenosis, lumbosacral region

Showing 1–10 of 23

Related Payer Policy Updates

Specialty: Cardiology1 / 3

10 rows

Policy	Payer	Effective Date
Cardiac Computed Tomography (CCT)/Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography (CCTA)	univerahealthcare	2026-10-15
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment	Oscar Health	2026-10-01
Biomarkers for Myocardial Infarction and Chronic Heart Failure	Oscar Health	2026-10-01
Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction for Diagnostic Cardiovascular Procedures	Blue Cross Blue Shield - Maine	2026-10-01
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment	blue cross blue shield - louisiana	2026-09-15
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment	Blue Cross Blue Shield - New Mexico	2026-09-04
Computed Tomography to Detect Coronary Artery Calcification	Bluecross Idaho	2026-09-01
Intracoronary Drug Delivery Balloon Procedures	Blue Cross Blue Shield - Rhode Island	2026-09-01
Cardiac Imaging Guidelines	evicore	2026-09-01
Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Stroke Prevention	Ambetter Georgia	2026-08-26

HCPCS C1713: Anchor/Screw for Bone or Soft Tissue Fixation (Implantable)

HCPCS-C1714-TRANSLUMINAL-DIRECTIONAL-ATHERECTOMY-CATHETER

HCPCS C1714: Catheter, transluminal atherectomy, directional

HCPCS-C1715-BRACHYTHERAPY-NEEDLE

HCPCS C1715: Brachytherapy Needle

HCPCS-C1716-BRACHYTHERAPY-GOLD-198-SOURCE

HCPCS C1716: Brachytherapy Source, Gold-198, Per Source

HCPCS-C1717-HDR-BRACHYTHERAPY-IRIDIUM-192-SOURCE

HCPCS C1717: HDR Iridium-192 Brachytherapy Source, Per Source

HCPCS-C1719-BRACHYTHERAPY-IRIDIUM-192-SOURCE-NON-STRANDED

HCPCS C1719: Brachytherapy Source, Iridium-192, Non-Stranded

HCPCS-C1721-IMPLANTABLE-DUAL-CHAMBER-CARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATOR

HCPCS C1721: Cardioverter-Defibrillator, Dual Chamber (Implantable)

HCPCS-C1724-ROTATIONAL-TRANSLUMINAL-ATHERECTOMY-CATHETER

HCPCS Level II C1724: Rotational Transluminal Atherectomy Catheter

HCPCS-C1725-TRANSLUMINAL-ANGIOPLASTY-CATHETER-NON-LASER

HCPCS Level II C1725: Transluminal Angioplasty Catheter, Non-Laser

HCPCS-C1726-NON-VASCULAR-BALLOON-DILATATION-CATHETER

HCPCS C1726: Catheter, Balloon Dilatation, Non-Vascular

Showing 1–10 of 603

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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Trek Health ingests and normalizes Transparency in Coverage data and payer policy updates to give provider organizations a clear view of how commercial reimbursement behaves across markets, payers, and services. Our platform transforms raw payer disclosures into structured intelligence that supports contract evaluation, payer negotiations, and service line strategy. By combining market benchmarks with ongoing policy visibility, Trek helps teams identify variability, risk, and opportunity in commercial reimbursement. The result is faster insight, stronger negotiating positions, and more informed financial decisions.

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`72156`	Magnetic resonance imaging, spinal canal and contents, lumbar; without contrast material followed by with contrast material and further sequences	A closely related CPT study for lumbar spine MRI performed both without and with contrast — used when payer requires CPT rather than HCPCS Level II coding for comprehensive MRI of the lumbar spine.
`72158`	Magnetic resonance imaging, spinal canal and contents, lumbar; with and without contrast material, enhancement and further sequences	Alternative CPT descriptor for combined non-contrast and contrast-enhanced lumbar spine MRI — used in coding workflow when CPT mapping is required.
`72141`	Magnetic resonance imaging, spinal canal and contents, cervical; without contrast material followed by with contrast material and further sequences	Cervical spine equivalent when the study targets the cervical spinal canal and contents in this two-phase approach.
`72142`	Magnetic resonance imaging, spinal canal and contents, cervical; with and without contrast material, enhancement and further sequences	Alternative cervical spine CPT descriptor used in coding crosswalks.
`70498`	Magnetic resonance angiography, head, without and with contrast material, including non-contrast and contrast sequences when performed	Not a spine code but represents MRA protocol structure; occasionally referenced for protocol similarities and technical guidance when developing spine MRA sequences.
`77012`	Computed tomography guidance for spinal procedures (example)	Represents other imaging-guided procedures that may be performed in the same episode of care (e.g., CT-guided spine injections) and billed separately; listed as commonly associated services in complex spine evaluations.

Related Modifiers

7 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
22	Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…	- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
23	Modifier -23 (Unusual Anesthesia) is used on anesthesia service CPT codes when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia…	- Use modifier -23 only on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia because of…
26	Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…	- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
51	Modifier –51 (Multiple Procedures) is used when the same provider performs multiple procedures in the same session to identify secondary, non‑exempt procedures and indicate payment reduction logic…	- Use modifier -51 when the same provider performs multiple distinct procedures during the same patient encounter: report the highest‑valued procedure first (no modifier) and append -51 to…
52	Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…	- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
53	Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…	- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
62	Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…	- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
2086S0102X	Surgical Critical Care Physician	A surgeon with expertise in the management of the critically ill and postoperative patient, particularly the trauma victim, who specializes in critica…
207RC0000X	Cardiovascular Disease Physician	An internist who specializes in diseases of the heart and blood vessels and manages complex cardiac conditions such as heart attacks and life-threaten…
207L00000X	Anesthesiology Physician	An anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an opera…
2084N0400X	Neurology Physician	A Neurologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases or impaired function of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, muscles, auton…
261QP0904X	Federal Public Health Clinic/Center	Ambulatory Health Care Facilities · Clinic/Center
171WV0202X	Vehicle Modifications Contractor	A contractor who makes modifications to private vehicles to accommodate a health condition.
1223X2210X	Orofacial Pain Dentistry	A dentist who assesses, diagnoses, and treats patients with complex chronic orofacial pain and dysfunction disorders, oromotor and jaw behavior disord…
207LP3000X	Pediatric Anesthesiology Physician	An anesthesiologist who has had additional skill and experience in and is primarily concerned with the anesthesia, sedation, and pain management needs…

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

23 rows

ICD-10-CM Code	Description
G83.4	Cauda equina syndrome
G89.29	Other chronic pain
G95.9	Disease of spinal cord, unspecified
M43.16	Spondylolisthesis, lumbar region
M43.17	Spondylolisthesis, lumbosacral region
M47.26	Other spondylosis with radiculopathy, lumbar region
M47.27	Other spondylosis with radiculopathy, lumbosacral region
M48.02	Spinal stenosis, cervical region
M48.04	Spinal stenosis, thoracic region
M48.07	Spinal stenosis, lumbosacral region

Showing 1–10 of 23

Related Payer Policy Updates

Specialty: Cardiology1 / 3

10 rows

Policy	Payer	Effective Date
Cardiac Computed Tomography (CCT)/Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography (CCTA)	univerahealthcare	2026-10-15
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment	Oscar Health	2026-10-01
Biomarkers for Myocardial Infarction and Chronic Heart Failure	Oscar Health	2026-10-01
Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction for Diagnostic Cardiovascular Procedures	Blue Cross Blue Shield - Maine	2026-10-01
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment	blue cross blue shield - louisiana	2026-09-15
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment	Blue Cross Blue Shield - New Mexico	2026-09-04
Computed Tomography to Detect Coronary Artery Calcification	Bluecross Idaho	2026-09-01
Intracoronary Drug Delivery Balloon Procedures	Blue Cross Blue Shield - Rhode Island	2026-09-01
Cardiac Imaging Guidelines	evicore	2026-09-01
Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Stroke Prevention	Ambetter Georgia	2026-08-26

HCPCS C1713: Anchor/Screw for Bone or Soft Tissue Fixation (Implantable)

HCPCS-C1714-TRANSLUMINAL-DIRECTIONAL-ATHERECTOMY-CATHETER

HCPCS C1714: Catheter, transluminal atherectomy, directional

HCPCS-C1715-BRACHYTHERAPY-NEEDLE

HCPCS C1715: Brachytherapy Needle

HCPCS-C1716-BRACHYTHERAPY-GOLD-198-SOURCE

HCPCS C1716: Brachytherapy Source, Gold-198, Per Source

HCPCS-C1717-HDR-BRACHYTHERAPY-IRIDIUM-192-SOURCE

HCPCS C1717: HDR Iridium-192 Brachytherapy Source, Per Source

HCPCS-C1719-BRACHYTHERAPY-IRIDIUM-192-SOURCE-NON-STRANDED

HCPCS C1719: Brachytherapy Source, Iridium-192, Non-Stranded

HCPCS-C1721-IMPLANTABLE-DUAL-CHAMBER-CARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATOR

HCPCS C1721: Cardioverter-Defibrillator, Dual Chamber (Implantable)

HCPCS-C1724-ROTATIONAL-TRANSLUMINAL-ATHERECTOMY-CATHETER

HCPCS Level II C1724: Rotational Transluminal Atherectomy Catheter

HCPCS-C1725-TRANSLUMINAL-ANGIOPLASTY-CATHETER-NON-LASER

HCPCS Level II C1725: Transluminal Angioplasty Catheter, Non-Laser

HCPCS-C1726-NON-VASCULAR-BALLOON-DILATATION-CATHETER

HCPCS C1726: Catheter, Balloon Dilatation, Non-Vascular

Showing 1–10 of 603

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

OpenPayer

HCPCS Level II C8933: Magnetic Resonance Angiography of Spinal Canal, Without and With Contrast

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OpenPayer

HCPCS Level II C8933: Magnetic Resonance Angiography of Spinal Canal, Without and With Contrast

Sign up for hcpcs C8933 policy alerts

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

References

HCPCS Level II C8933: Magnetic Resonance Angiography of Spinal Canal, Without and With Contrast

Sign up for hcpcs C8933 policy alerts

HCPCS Level II C8933: Magnetic Resonance Angiography of Spinal Canal, Without and With Contrast

Sign up for hcpcs C8933 policy alerts

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

When should HCPCS code C8933 be used?

What CPT codes are closely related to C8933 and when are they used?

What clinical scenarios and workflow justify performing the combined non-contrast and contrast spinal MRA?

How should diagnosis codes and modifiers be handled when billing C8933?

Where is the C8933 service typically performed and which payers are listed as covering it?

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

When should HCPCS code C8933 be used?

What CPT codes are closely related to C8933 and when are they used?

What clinical scenarios and workflow justify performing the combined non-contrast and contrast spinal MRA?

How should diagnosis codes and modifiers be handled when billing C8933?

Where is the C8933 service typically performed and which payers are listed as covering it?

References