CPT® Codes for MRI Safety – A User’s Guide

ABSTRACT

The magnetic fields of the MR environment present unique safety challenges. Medical implants and retained foreign bodies can prevent patients from undergoing MR imaging due to interactions between the magnetic fields of the MR environment and the implant or foreign body. These hazards can be addressed through careful MR safety screening and MR examination customization, often allowing these patients with implants to undergo management-altering MR imaging. However, mitigating these risks takes additional time, expertise, and effort. Effective in 2025, this additional work is formally acknowledged with a new series of CPT® codes to report the work of assessing and addressing safety concerns associated with implants and foreign bodies in the MR environment. This user guide provides guidance on how to report these codes so physician led MR safety teams can be appropriately reimbursed for the additional work performed in preparing patients with implants or foreign bodies for MR imaging.

ABBREVIATIONS: ACR = American College of Radiology™; ASNR = American Society of Neuroradiology; CPT® = Common Procedural Terminology; QHP = Qualified Healthcare Professional; ARRT® = American Registry of Radiologic Technologists; ABMRS = American Board of Magnetic Resonance Safety; MRSO = Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer; MRMD = Magnetic Resonance Medical Director; MRSE = Magnetic Resonance Safety Expert.