70553 MRI brain stem without & with dye
Also known as: brainstem MRI with and without contrast, dual-contrast brainstem imaging, MRI brain with and without contrast, brain MRI with contrast, brain MRI with and without contrast
Magnetic resonance imaging of the brainstem performed with noncontrast and intravenous gadolinium contrast acquisitions. Comprehensive imaging combining baseline and enhanced sequences.
In Plain Language
complete brainstem scan; comprehensive lower brain imaging
Clinical Context
Comprehensive protocol for complex brainstem pathology assessment when both baseline characteristics and enhancement pattern are diagnostically important.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.23 |
| Total RVU | 2.23 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
Radiology codes require a written order, clinical indication, and a formal interpretation report. The professional component (modifier -26) and technical component (modifier -TC) may be billed separately.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 2.23, this code ranks in the 94th percentile among Radiology codes — 2.8x the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 70553?
CPT 70553 (MRI brain stem without & with dye) is a Radiology code. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brainstem performed with noncontrast and intravenous gadolinium contrast acquisitions. Comprehensive imaging combining baseline and enhanced sequences.
Who uses CPT code 70553?
CPT 70553 is used by Neuroradiology, Neurology, Neurosurgery. Comprehensive protocol for complex brainstem pathology assessment when both baseline characteristics and enhancement pattern are diagnostically important.
When is CPT 70553 used?
Comprehensive protocol for complex brainstem pathology assessment when both baseline characteristics and enhancement pattern are diagnostically important.
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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.