Radiology · CMS status A
70551
MRI brain, without contrast
Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain without contrast material. CMS 2026 global wRVU 1.48, total RVU approximately 7.41, Medicare global allowable approximately $247. The workhorse outpatient brain MRI for non-acute neurologic complaints.
Work RVU
1.48
2026 Medicare pays
$247.50
National GPCI · non-facility · CF $33.4009
RVU anatomyWork 1.48 + Practice 5.83 + Malpractice 0.10 = 7.41 total
Work (your effort)Practice expenseMalpractice
Billing guidance for 70551 is locked
- When to use it: the exact clinical situations that support billing 70551
- Documentation checklist: the 5 elements your note needs before submitting
- Common pitfalls: the 5 mistakes that get 70551 downcoded or denied
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Common modifiers
26TC
Common ICD-10 pairings
R51.9G35R20.2G40.909F03.90H90.5
Payer notes
Medicare covers 70551 with appropriate indication. Outpatient prior authorization is common for commercial payers. Document the indication clearly — "chronic headache" alone may not pass auth; pair with red flags (new pattern, fever, neuro deficit, age over 50, etc.). MS and oncology surveillance studies typically pass auth more easily than non-specific headache work-up.
Pairs well with
Educational reference, not billing or legal advice. Verify against your payer contracts and your compliance team before submission.