Mountain State Medical Policy Bulletin |
Section: | Radiology |
Number: | X-2 |
Topic: | Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) |
Effective Date: | January 1, 2008 |
Issued Date: | December 31, 2007 |
Date Last Reviewed: | 12/2007 |
Indications and Limitations of Coverage
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic imaging modality that uses magnetic and radiofrequency fields to produce a non-invasive two-dimensional view of an internal organ or structure. Through radiofrequency emissions, a tomographic image can be constructed that will represent the tissue being analyzed and the environment surrounding it. The MRI is designed to identify anatomical abnormalities and to provide information on the characteristics of the tissue. The criteria for determining medical necessity for MRI is as follows and may be warranted when indicated by physical exam and/or diagnostic studies (i.e., CT scan, X-ray, etc.), or when symptoms are unresolved by conservative treatment: Head (Brain), Orbit, Face, Neck, Spine (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar):
Cardiac:
Chest:
Extremities:
Dedicated, extremity MRI has been medically proven to be effective and therefore medically appropriate for the conditions noted below, when performed on the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, foot or ankle:
Abdomen:
Pelvis
Miscellaneous:
The following are contraindications to any type of MRI:
When a contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study is performed on the same day as an unenhanced study of the same organ or body area, the appropriate combination code should be used. Example: MRI, brain; without contrast material (70551) followed by MRI, brain; with contrast material (70552) - use combination code 70553. Payment is made for contrast material in addition to the MRI procedure. The diagnostic imaging agent/contrast material used in conjunction with an eligible imaging procedure is eligible when administered by the health care professional in a setting other than a hospital or a skilled facility. When charges for additional acquisitions, cuts, slices, etc., are billed separately, the charges are combined and paid under the appropriate code for the study performed. MRI studies of the following body areas are eligible for payment:
When more than one organ in an anatomic area is studied on the same day (for example, liver and gallbladder), payment is limited to one MRI study of that anatomic area. If more than one anatomic area is studied (for example, the brain and abdomen), payment is made for each anatomic area studied. When bilateral studies of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are reported, payment is made for each study. When bilateral extremity studies are performed (for example, right and left arms or right and left legs) payment is made for each study. When different areas of the same extremity are performed (for example, left humerus and left forearm or right knee and right ankle, etc.), payment is made for both studies. All other studies are reimbursed as one study. In all cases, clinical information documenting the medical necessity for each MRI study on the same day must be maintained in the patient’s record and available for review upon request. When both MRI and a computed tomography (CT) scan are performed on the same day for the same anatomic area, payment should be made for the CT scan. The MRI may only be paid if supporting documentation is submitted to establish medical necessity for both studies. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for flow velocity/quantification (codes 75558, 75560, 75562, 75564) is considered experimental/investigational. Scientific evidence does not demonstrate the efficacy of cardiac MRI for velocity flow mapping. As such, it is not eligible for payment. A participating, preferred, or network provider can bill the member for services denied as experimental/investigational. Date Last Reviewed: 11/2006 Description Magnetic resonance imaging, also referred to as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging modality. The technique uses the interaction of a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to generate, with computer assistance, an image of an area of the body. For information on MRI of the breast see Medical Policy Bulletin X-44. |
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70336 | 70540 | 70542 | 70543 | 70551 | 70552 |
70553 | 70557 | 70558 | 70559 | 71550 | 71551 |
71552 | 72141 | 72142 | 72146 | 72147 | 72148 |
72149 | 72156 | 72157 | 72158 | 72195 | 72196 |
72197 | 73218 | 73219 | 73220 | 73221 | 73222 |
73223 | 73718 | 73719 | 73720 | 73721 | 73722 |
73723 | 74181 | 74182 | 74183 | 75557 | 75558 |
75559 | 75560 | 75561 | 75562 | 75563 | 75564 |
76400 | 76498 | 77021 | 77022 | A9576 | A9577 |
A9578 | A9579 | Q9951 | Q9953 | Q9954 | Q9957 |
Q9958 | Q9959 | Q9960 | Q9961 | Q9962 | Q9963 |
Q9964 | Q9965 | Q9966 | Q9967 |
This medical policy may not apply to FEP. Medical Policy is not an authorization, certification, explanation of benefits, or a contract. Benefits are determined by the Federal Employee Program. |
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