AMA CPT® Assistant - 2007 Issue 2 (February)
Functional MRI (February 2007)
February 2007 pages 6-7 Coding Communication: Functional MRI Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain has been used primarily for defining neuropathology and its effect on neighboring anatomy. This traditional use of MR entails imaging the inactive (passive) patient. "Functional" brain mapping during neuroimaging is a safe, noninvasive method of estimating the localization of brain functions. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) allows regional brain mapping of human cognitive functions such as motor skills, vision, language, and memory. Functional MR localization of eloquent cortex is accomplished by imaging the active patient during specific task performance and is able to accurately...
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Article Overview
This article explains functional MRI as a clinical and coding topic, with emphasis on the CPT 2007 updates for brain functional imaging and associated neurofunctional testing. It is written for coders, radiology and neurology staff, and other billing professionals who need to understand the scope of the service, who may perform it, and how the new reporting structure fits into broader MRI services. The discussion also covers general clinical use cases, provider involvement, and coding communication points relevant to same-day reporting.
Why This Topic Matters
Functional MRI reporting can involve multiple service components and more than one specialty. Understanding the article helps readers recognize the type of guidance presented and identify whether the full text is relevant to coding, documentation, and claims review workflows.
Article Sections
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February 2007 pages 6-7
Introductory article framing functional MRI as a clinical and coding topic. It introduces the broader service context and the CPT 2007 additions discussed later in the piece.
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What Is the Estimated Frequency of fMRIs?
A brief discussion of how commonly the service is performed and how its use was expected to change over time.
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What Are the Clinical Indications for fMRI?
An overview of the broad clinical situations in which functional brain mapping may be considered. The section references neurologic and neurosurgical conditions and describes the kinds of patients involved.
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What Information Is Provided by fMRIs and Why Is It Important?
A general explanation of the kinds of planning and decision-making support functional MRI can provide. The section focuses on its role in treatment planning and related clinical evaluation.
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Who Can Report the fMRI Codes?
A summary of the provider types commonly associated with reporting these services. It notes that the service is not limited to a single specialty.
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Coding Tip
A short coding communication note related to same-day MRI and functional MRI reporting. It highlights a modifier-related point without giving detailed claim instructions.
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How Is fMRI Coded?
The main coding section describing the CPT framework for functional MRI and related neurofunctional testing. It presents the new reporting structure introduced in CPT 2007.
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Coding Tip
A coding communication note addressing the relationship between functional MRI reporting and other evaluation and management services. It also references when certain MRI services are not reported together.
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Coding Tip
A brief note about coordination between the functional MRI codes and other MRI brain imaging codes. It summarizes a reporting distinction discussed in the article.
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Summary
A closing recap of the article’s focus on the 2007 code additions and the broader complexity of active-patient functional brain mapping.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames functional MRI within brain imaging and neurofunctional testing
- What clinical situations are discussed as common reasons for considering functional brain mapping
- Which provider categories are mentioned in relation to reporting the service
- What general coding communication issues are highlighted for same-day or related services
- How the article organizes the CPT 2007 functional MRI reporting framework
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Radiology coders
- Neurology and neurosurgery billing staff
- Compliance and reimbursement professionals
- Clinical documentation reviewers
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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