Summary & Overview
HCPCS C8934: Magnetic Resonance Angiography with Contrast, Upper Extremity
HCPCS Level II code C8934 represents magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) with contrast of the upper extremity, an advanced diagnostic imaging study used to evaluate arterial anatomy and vascular pathology in the arms. Nationally, MRA procedures are important for diagnosing stenosis, occlusion, aneurysm, and pre-surgical vascular mapping, making accurate coding and payer coverage essential for patient access and appropriate reimbursement.
Key payers covered in this review include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The analysis addresses how this imaging service is categorized for billing purposes, typical sites of service, and the clinical contexts in which the procedure is used.
Readers will find concise benchmarks on payer coverage patterns, a summary of common modifiers used with imaging services, and clinical context about indications for upper-extremity contrast MRA. The publication also highlights coding considerations and administrative elements that affect claim processing and payment. Data not included in the input is noted explicitly where applicable. This national-level summary is intended for billing managers, radiology administrators, and policy analysts seeking a focused overview of HCPCS Level II code C8934.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code C8934 describes magnetic resonance angiography with contrast of the upper extremity. This service is an imaging procedure that uses magnetic resonance technology with contrast material to visualize the arterial vasculature of the arm and related structures.
Service type: Diagnostic imaging (magnetic resonance angiography)
Typical site of service: Outpatient imaging center, hospital outpatient department, or ambulatory surgical center where advanced MRI equipment and contrast administration are available.
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 62-year-old right-hand–dominant patient with a history of smoking and poorly controlled hypertension presents with progressive numbness, coolness, and diminished pulses in the right upper extremity. The vascular surgery team suspects subclavian artery stenosis with possible collateral formation and requests noninvasive imaging to define arterial anatomy prior to planning endovascular intervention. The patient arrives at an outpatient imaging center; prescreening confirms no contraindications to gadolinium-based contrast. Intravenous access is obtained in the contralateral arm or lower extremity, and standard MR safety screening is completed. A magnetic resonance angiography with contrast of the upper extremity (C8934) is performed, including multiplanar contrast-enhanced sequences from the aortic arch through the forearm as indicated. Images are reviewed by the radiologist, measurements and stenosis gradings are reported, and a final report is transmitted to the referring vascular surgeon to guide revascularization planning. Typical site of service: outpatient imaging center or hospital outpatient department. Service type: diagnostic imaging — contrast-enhanced vascular MRI of the upper extremity.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the interpreting physician’s service separate from the technical component. |