Coding for 3D post-processing images reconstructed on an independent workstation with physician supervision

Q.

Is CPT^® code 76377 included in the cardiac MRI CPT code 75561?  Are there specific circumstances that allow this to be charged and modified?  We are using 3D rendering on an independent workstation for post-processing.

A.

If you look in the CPT book there are notes found in the cardiac MRI section and also following CPT code 76377 (in the parenthetical notes) that state you cannot assign CPT code 76377 with CPT code 75561.

The codes and full descriptions are:

76377  3D rendering with interpretation and reporting of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, or other tomographic modality with image postprocessing under concurrent supervision; requiring image postprocessing on an independent workstation

75561 Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for morphology and function without contrast material(s), followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences;