CMS to change reimbursement for MRI of implantable devices
CMS announced a change in its payment policy to make it easier for patients with implantable cardiac devices to receive reimbursement for MRI scans.
CMS posted a memo to its website on Jan. 11 with the proposed change, which would remove the coverage with evidence development (CED) requirement for MRI scans of patients with devices that include implanted pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators.
The change is a modification to the CMS national coverage determination act. Prior to the proposed change, CMS had required payment for scans only be made when MRI was done as part of a clinical study.
CMS is currently seeking comments on the proposed decision, and will respond to public comments in a final decision memo later.
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.