Summary & Overview
HCPCS Level II C8902: Abdominal Magnetic Resonance Angiography Without Then With Contrast
HCPCS Level II code C8902 denotes an abdominal magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) performed first without contrast and then with contrast. This two-phase MRA technique provides detailed evaluation of abdominal vascular structures, supporting diagnosis and treatment planning for conditions such as vascular stenosis, aneurysm, or preoperative vascular mapping. Nationally, MRA utilization affects imaging capacity, contrast use protocols, and payer coverage policies for advanced vascular imaging.
Key payers included in this analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of clinical context for two-phase abdominal MRA, payer coverage scope, common billing considerations, and benchmarks where available. The publication summarizes typical sites of service and service definitions, highlights policy updates impacting reimbursement and prior authorization, and outlines documentation elements relevant to billing. Where specific data are absent in the input, the text notes that information is not available. This briefing is intended to inform providers, billing professionals, and policy analysts about the purpose and payment-related considerations for HCPCS Level II code C8902.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code C8902 describes a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the abdomen performed without contrast followed by with contrast. This procedure captures vascular anatomy and blood flow characteristics in the abdominal region using magnetic resonance imaging techniques, first acquiring non-contrast images and then repeating sequences after intravenous contrast administration to enhance vessel visualization.
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Service type: Diagnostic vascular imaging (magnetic resonance angiography)
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Typical site of service: Outpatient imaging center or hospital outpatient department
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 58-year-old patient with longstanding hypertension and intermittent abdominal pain is referred by a vascular surgeon for a non-contrast magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the abdomen followed by contrast-enhanced MRA to evaluate suspected renovascular disease and to assess the abdominal aorta and visceral arterial branches for stenosis or aneurysm. The clinical workflow begins with verification of the indication and allergy history, assessment of renal function (eGFR) for gadolinium safety, removal of contraindicated devices, and informed consent. The patient is positioned supine in the MRI scanner; a non-contrast MRA sequence is performed first to visualize flow-dependent anatomy and to provide baseline images. If non-contrast images are inadequate or additional detail is required, intravenous gadolinium-based contrast is administered and contrast-enhanced sequences are acquired. Post-procedure, images are processed and interpreted by a radiologist with vascular imaging expertise, and a report is transmitted to the referring provider. Typical sites of service include outpatient imaging centers or hospital radiology departments. Service type: diagnostic vascular imaging (MRA) of the abdomen. Typical patient scenario: evaluation of suspected renal artery stenosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm surveillance, or mesenteric ischemia workup.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when reporting only the physician interpretation/report separate from technical component |