Neck Imaging Guidelines

Advanced neck imaging (CT, MRI, and nuclear medicine) for diagnostic evaluation of individuals with common neck symptoms/symptom complexes, including cerebrovascular/carotid disease, dysphagia/esophageal disorders, neck mass/adenopathy, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, thyroid/parathyroid disease, tracheal/bronchial disorders, salivary gland conditions, and neck pain. Advanced imaging generally requires a pertinent clinical evaluation since onset or change in symptoms (detailed history, physical exam, appropriate labs and basic imaging such as radiography or ultrasound) unless performed per guideline-supported scheduled surveillance; atypical presentations require physician review, and modality- and contrast-specific limitations apply (e.g., radiation and thyroid/iodine considerations, contrast effects on salivary stones and RAI imaging, and limited value of CT without/with contrast in some cases).

"MRI Neck without and with contrast (CPT® 70543) is appropriate if ultrasound or CT suggests angiofibromas."