American Medical Association issues CPT code for AI-based brain MRI software

The American Medical Association has issued a new CPT code for an artificial intelligence-based brain MRI software tool, the product’s developer announced recently.

Icometrix said the current procedural terminology code covers its FDA-cleared quantification software, “creating a path to reimbursement.” The program works by assisting physicians with diagnosing, monitoring and assessing treatment options for brain disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, dementia, epilepsy, stroke and traumatic brain injury.

To date, only three companies in the fields of cardiac care, lung cancer and liver disease have been able to earn category 3 CPT codes in radiology, the company noted.

“This is a major milestone for Icometrix, for the radiology and neurology communities, and most of all for patients living with neurological conditions,” CEO and Founder Wim Van Hecke, PhD, said in a July 1 announcement.

Medicare, Medicaid and commercial plans use such CPT codes to identify procedures and services. After the code takes effect, Belgium-based Icometrix noted, imaging centers and hospitals can use it to submit claims for AI-based analysis of MRIs.

The AMA decision comes as experts anticipate that imaging volumes will continue to climb in the coming years.

“Shifting demographics and aging populations are key drivers increasing the demand for brain MRI procedures, and for developing and measuring biomarkers to assess and manage the growing burden of neurologic diseases,” John E. Jordan, MD, chair of the American College of Radiology Commission on Neuroradiology, said in the announcement. “Neuroimaging can be a tedious and extremely challenging task for radiologists, particularly as clinical burdens and disease complexity continue to increase.”