71555 MRI angio chest w or without dye
Also known as: thoracic MRA, aortic MRA, pulmonary artery MRA
Magnetic resonance angiography of the thorax with or without intravenous gadolinium contrast medium. Evaluates aorta, pulmonary arteries, and systemic venous structures.
In Plain Language
chest blood vessel imaging; aorta scan
Clinical Context
Used for aortic dissection evaluation, pulmonary embolism assessment, and aortic disease characterization. Provides non-invasive vascular imaging without catheterization.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.76 |
| Total RVU | 1.76 |
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 1.76, this code ranks in the 85th percentile among Radiology codes — 2.2x the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 71555?
CPT 71555 (MRI angio chest w or without dye) is a Radiology code. Magnetic resonance angiography of the thorax with or without intravenous gadolinium contrast medium. Evaluates aorta, pulmonary arteries, and systemic venous structures.
Who uses CPT code 71555?
CPT 71555 is used by Cardiac Imaging, Radiology, Vascular Surgery. Used for aortic dissection evaluation, pulmonary embolism assessment, and aortic disease characterization. Provides non-invasive vascular imaging without catheterization.
When is CPT 71555 used?
Used for aortic dissection evaluation, pulmonary embolism assessment, and aortic disease characterization. Provides non-invasive vascular imaging without catheterization.
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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.