Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Issue

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is an application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to provide visualization of blood flow, as well as images of normal and diseased blood vessels. In contrast-enhanced MRA, blood flow is imaged after the patient receives an intravenous injection of a gadolinium-based contrast agent.

We recently reconsidered the NCD for MRI at 220.2 of the National Coverage Determinations Manual and removed national noncoverage for MRI for blood flow determination, thereby permitting local Medicare contractors to make determinations within their jurisdictions. https://www.cms.hhs.gov/mcd/viewdecisionmemo.asp?id=228

While reviewing published scientific evidence for that MRI reconsideration we became aware of evidence that may speak to one or more currently noncovered indications for MRA. We are opening this national coverage analysis to review the evidence on the current non-covered indications for MRA.

National Coverage Determination(s)

220.3

Benefit Category

Diagnostic Tests (other)

Requestor Name(s)

Internally Generated

Formal Request Accepted and Review Initiated

10/7/2009

Expected NCA Completion Date

7/6/2010

Proposed Decision Memo Due Date

4/7/2010

Lead Analyst(s)

Kimberly Long
kimberly.long@cms.hhs.gov
1-410-786-5702
Stuart Caplan, RN, MAS
stuart.caplan@cms.hhs.gov
1-410-786-8564

Lead Medical Officer(s)

Ross Brechner, MD, MS (Stat.), MPH

Actions Taken

October 7, 2009

CMS initiates this national coverage analysis of the current non-covered indications. The initial 30-day public comment period begins with this posting date, and ends after 30 calendar days.

CMS is requesting public comment on the health benefit outcomes of any of the current non-covered indications of Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) in the Medicare population.

CMS considers all public comments, and is particularly interested in comments regarding clinical studies and other scientific information about the technology under review and the short and long term outcomes.

Instructions on submitting public comments can be found at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/InfoExchange/02_publiccomments.asp. You can also submit a public comment by clicking on the highlighted word COMMENT in the title bar at the top of this page. We strongly urge that all public comments be submitted through this website. Please do not submit personal health information in public comments. Comments with personal health information may not be posted to the website.

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Page Last Modified: 4/23/2009 7:08:08 AM

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Medicare Coverage Database

NCA Tracking Sheet for Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) (CAG-00142R)