CMS repeals noncoverage of MRI for blood flow determination
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has found that the blanket noncoverage of MRI for blood flow determination is no longer supported by the available evidence. Therefore, the agency is proposing to remove the phrase "blood flow measurement," from the nationally noncovered indications at 220.2 of the National Coverage Determinations (NCD) Manual.
Pursuant to 220.2, local Medicare contractors will have discretion to cover (or not cover) this use, according to the agency.
However, CMS also evaluated a second request to revise the reference to cardiac pacemakers to permit coverage for MRI when a beneficiary has an implanted device that has been designed, tested and FDA labeled for use in the MRI environment.
CMS said it has not found evidence that MRI improves health outcomes in beneficiaries who have an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator or cardiac pacemaker approved by FDA for use in an MRI environment. Also, it stated that there are currently no such devices. Therefore, the agency proposed that no change in this provision of the NCD manual, and retains the current contraindications.
CMS currently is requesting public comments on these proposed determinations.
Pursuant to 220.2, local Medicare contractors will have discretion to cover (or not cover) this use, according to the agency.
However, CMS also evaluated a second request to revise the reference to cardiac pacemakers to permit coverage for MRI when a beneficiary has an implanted device that has been designed, tested and FDA labeled for use in the MRI environment.
CMS said it has not found evidence that MRI improves health outcomes in beneficiaries who have an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator or cardiac pacemaker approved by FDA for use in an MRI environment. Also, it stated that there are currently no such devices. Therefore, the agency proposed that no change in this provision of the NCD manual, and retains the current contraindications.
CMS currently is requesting public comments on these proposed determinations.