Clinical Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Objective: To describe a new series of evaluation/procedural codes that were approved by the American Medical Association (AMA) CPT Editorial Panel for use in billing for these procedures by physicians or licensed clinical psychologists.

Background: As of January of 2007, 3 distinct CPT codes for billing related to the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) procedure are available for use.

Design: Description of CPT codes.

Results: CPT code 70554: MRI, brain, fMRI; including test selection and administration of repetitive body part movement and/or visual stimulation, not requiring physician or psychologist administration. CPT code 70555: MRI, brain, fMRI; requiring physician or psychologist administration. This is to be always reported with CPT code 96020: neurofunctional testing selection and administration during noninvasive imaging functional brain mapping, with test administered entirely by a physician or psychologist, with review of test results and report.

Conclusions: These CPT codes will allow for billing of both the neurofunctional and imaging components of fMRI. Functional brain mapping will now be available as an activation study to aid in localizing neurofunctional abilities.