CMS Says MRI Can Improve Health Outcomes in Medicare Patients With Pacemakers

CMS announced April 25 that there is sufficient evidence to conclude that MRI improves health outcomes for Medicare patients with implanted permanent pacemakers, according to an AAPC release.

Advertisement

CMS has proposed to change the language in section 220.2.C.1 of the NCD Manual to remove the contraindication for Medicare coverage of MRI in patients with implanted permanent pacemakers.

MRI is currently non-covered for patients who have implanted pacemakers, but a new device could be the first pacemaker appropriate for use in an MRI environment. The device’s development led CMS to reconsider its NCD for the service.

Read CMS’ proposed decision memo on MRI NCD.

Read the AAPC release on MRI NCD.

Related Articles on Coding, Billing and Collections:
AAPC’s National Advisory Board Introduces New Leadership
Establishing a Formal Physician Query Process
ICD-10 Specificity to Impact Nurse Workflows

Advertisement

Next Up in ASC Coding, Billing & Collections

  • Here are four payer-related headlines in the last two weeks for ASCs to know.  1. Medical practices and hospitals saw…

  • Here are six updates to know on Dallas-based United Surgical Partners International, as reported by Becker’s so far in 2025:

Advertisement

Comments are closed.