96020 Functional brain mapping
Also known as: functional MRI, fMRI, brain mapping MRI
Functional brain imaging (functional magnetic resonance imaging) used for localization of eloquent cortex and surgical planning.
In Plain Language
brain activity imaging; functional brain scan
Clinical Context
Non-invasive mapping of functional brain areas using magnetic resonance imaging to identify motor, sensory, and language areas for presurgical planning.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 3.43 |
| Total RVU | 3.43 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
Medicine section codes cover a wide range of non-surgical services. Documentation should include the clinical indication, procedure details, interpretation (if applicable), and any patient-specific findings.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 3.43, this code ranks in the 88th percentile among Medicine codes — 4.4x the median (0.78). The highest wRVU in this category is 23.92.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 96020?
CPT 96020 (Functional brain mapping) is a Medicine code. Functional brain imaging (functional magnetic resonance imaging) used for localization of eloquent cortex and surgical planning.
Who uses CPT code 96020?
CPT 96020 is used by Neurosurgery, Neurology, Neuroradiology. Non-invasive mapping of functional brain areas using magnetic resonance imaging to identify motor, sensory, and language areas for presurgical planning.
When is CPT 96020 used?
Non-invasive mapping of functional brain areas using magnetic resonance imaging to identify motor, sensory, and language areas for presurgical planning.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.