Empower Profession

Empower Action #3

Only cost is your Time/Genius/Implementation

An AMA CPT Code Application was submitted September 2021. It was denied.

Look for "Abbreviated Breast MRI" (77X50) on the AMA September CPT Public Agenda (on page 5 -- published 7/30/21)

The American Medical Association (AMA) already 'accepts' bilateral screening AB-MRIs under code 77049 -- at least in its Q & A of the "Clinical Examples in Radiology," Winter 2020 Edition as shown below (Presslwitz Correspandence).

However, this code is not unique enough to reflect the screening purpose and substantial reduced cost of AB-MRI breast screening. The AMA has denied the use of a "52" modifier, which would differentiate both purpose and cost.

Interestingly, The American College of Radiology (ACR) supports using code modifier  "52". To see their response click here, and scroll to page 12. This is where we need the support of the professionals. 

The Empower Action 3 choices are:

1. Implement the 2021 ACR recommendation of using modifier "52" now.

Currently, the AMA does NOT support an appended modifier (see AMA Prellwitz Correspondence) but the American College of Radiology (ACR) does (follow link and scroll to page 12).

            AND/OR

2. Contact current CPT Editorial Panel members, and state your support for a new CPT code for an Abbreviated MRI (AB-MRI) OR a two digit appendage code (ie. 33 for "Preventive Services", '52', or  '59').

The CPT Editorial Panel Listing is at:

https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/ama-guides/ama-guides-editorial-panel-members

(contact info is as follows - may be subject to error)