A9585 is a Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code that specifically identifies and allows for the billing of Injection, gadobutrol, 0.1 ml. This code is maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and falls under the broader category of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiopharmaceuticals.
Understanding HCPCS Codes
HCPCS codes are a standardized system used by healthcare providers and insurance companies in the United States. They serve as a common language for describing medical procedures, services, products, and supplies. These codes are essential for efficient processing of health insurance claims and for monitoring healthcare costs and trends.- Purpose: To standardize billing and reporting for various medical items and services.
- Maintenance: Primarily managed by CMS, ensuring codes are updated to reflect current medical practices.
- Categories: HCPCS codes are divided into different categories, each covering a specific range of services or supplies.
For more detailed information on HCPCS codes, you can refer to resources like the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) at www.aapc.com.
What is Gadobutrol?
**Gadobutrol** is a type of contrast agent used in diagnostic imaging, specifically in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures. Contrast agents are substances administered to patients to enhance the visibility of specific organs, tissues, or blood vessels during imaging scans, helping clinicians to better diagnose various medical conditions.- Function: It works by altering the magnetic properties of water molecules in the body, which then affects the MRI signal, leading to clearer images.
- Usage: Commonly used in MRI scans of the brain, spine, and other body parts to detect and characterize lesions, inflammation, or vascular abnormalities.
- Dosage: The A9585 code specifies a dosage of 0.1 ml, indicating the unit of measurement for billing purposes.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiopharmaceuticals Category
Although gadobutrol itself is not a radiopharmaceutical (meaning it does not contain radioactive isotopes), the HCPCS code A9585 is categorized under "Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiopharmaceuticals." This categorization indicates that, within the HCPCS system, it falls into a group that broadly includes agents used for imaging purposes (diagnostic) and, in some cases, for treatment (therapeutic), often involving specialized imaging materials. While this category encompasses various substances, A9585 is specifically for a non-radioactive MRI contrast agent used for diagnostic enhancement.Key Details of A9585
To summarize the essential information about HCPCS code A9585:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Code | A9585 |
| Description | Injection, gadobutrol |
| Dosage | 0.1 ml |
| Category | Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiopharmaceuticals |
| Maintained By | CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) |
| Primary Use | MRI contrast agent for diagnostic imaging enhancement |
In essence, A9585 simplifies the process of billing for a precise amount of gadobutrol injection, ensuring consistency and clarity in medical coding for diagnostic procedures involving MRI contrast.
