Summary & Overview
HCPCS C8935: Magnetic Resonance Angiography Without Contrast, Upper Extremity
HCPCS Level II code C8935 denotes magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the upper extremity performed without intravenous contrast. This imaging code matters nationally because non-contrast MRA is an important diagnostic tool for evaluating arterial disease, vascular malformations, and postoperative vascular surveillance when contrast use is contraindicated. Payer coverage and reimbursement practices for non-contrast vascular imaging affect access to this modality across clinical settings.
Key payers in the analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of coverage considerations, common billing modifiers, typical site-of-service settings, and where this service fits within vascular imaging pathways. The publication summarizes national benchmarks for utilization where available, highlights policy or coding updates relevant to non-contrast MRA, and provides clinical context on typical indications and operational implications for outpatient imaging centers and hospital outpatient departments.
The content serves clinicians, billing professionals, and policy analysts seeking a concise reference for HCPCS Level II code C8935, including what the code represents, how it is used in practice, and the payer landscape that commonly governs reimbursement and access.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code C8935 describes magnetic resonance angiography without contrast of the upper extremity. The service is an imaging study that uses magnetic resonance techniques to visualize arteries and vascular structures of the arm and shoulder without use of intravenous contrast.
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Service type: Diagnostic imaging (magnetic resonance angiography without contrast)
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Typical site of service: Outpatient imaging center or hospital outpatient department
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 58-year-old patient with progressive left arm claudication, coolness, and diminished radial pulse is referred for vascular imaging to evaluate suspected subclavian or axillary arterial stenosis. The patient has a history of peripheral arterial disease and hypertension and is unable to receive iodinated contrast due to prior severe allergic reaction. The ordering vascular surgeon requests non-contrast vascular imaging of the upper extremity.
The clinical workflow: the patient is pre-screened for MRI safety, informed consent is obtained, and relevant ICD-10 diagnosis codes are documented on the order. Technologists perform a non-contrast magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the upper extremity using time-of-flight or flow-sensitive sequences. A radiologist interprets the study, generates a report documenting arterial patency, any stenosis or occlusion, and recommends correlation with clinical findings. Images and the final report are transmitted to the referring provider for treatment planning, which may include medical management, angiography, or revascularization.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Used when billing only the interpreting physician's service separate from technical components |
TC |