Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard imaging modality for soft tissues. It produces detail cross-sectional images of soft tissue and bone anatomy, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, brain and organs, without the use of ionizing radiation. In addition to orthopedic imaging, MRI is also used for heart, brain and breast. MRI uses gadolinium contrast in many exams to highlight tissues and blood vessels, which enhances images and offers better diagnostic quality. It can also be used in conjunction with PET scans. How does MRI work? MR creates images by using powerful magnets to polarize hydrogen atoms in water (the body is made of of more than 80% water) so they face in one direction. A radiofrequency pulse is then used to ping these atoms, causing them to wobble, or resonate. The MRI coils detect this and computers can assemble images from the signals. Basic MRI scans will focus on the resonance of fat and water in two different sequences, which highlight and contrast different features in the anatomy.

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Prenuvo's newest location in New York City.

Patient files suit against whole-body MRI provider Prenuvo claiming radiologist overlooked signs of stroke

Attorneys filed the complaint Sept. 24 in the New York State Supreme Court, also naming William A Weiner, MD, and Nexray Medical Imaging as defendants. 

Patients on Medicaid wait longer to complete outpatient MRI exams

They also face lengthier delays when their primary language is not English and if the exam requires anesthesia, experts write in Academic Radiology. 

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Physicians debate the ‘perils and promise’ of whole-body MRI screening

This care model has grown in popularity, with startups such as Prenuvo and Ezra charging $2,500 out of pocket to screen asymptomatic patients for cancer and other diseases

Prenuvo mobile whole-body MRI clinic

Startup Prenuvo to park ‘luxury’ whole-body MRI truck on Canadian border amid regulatory challenges

Despite amassing a wait list of 10,000 individuals, the company has confronted “significant barriers due to restrictions on private imaging services in Ontario.” 

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What might reimbursements for proposed MRI safety CPT codes look like?

Prior to the final proposal’s release, the American College of Radiology reached out to CMS to offer its recommendations on payment rates for five out of the six the new codes.

Long Horn Imaging

Longhorn Imaging partners with AI startup to add full-body MRI at 12 locations

This marks the 12th metro area launch for New York-based Ezra, with the Austin area its “most requested city to date.” 

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'A very, very good thing'—CMS proposes reimbursements for providers' efforts to ensure MRI safety

“Before these CPT codes there was no real acknowledgment of the additional burden borne by the providers who accepted these patients."

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Men at risk for prostate cancer could be forgoing necessary imaging due to climbing out-of-pocket costs

Experts are calling for insurance companies to provide full coverage for imaging and other necessary exams, if indicated by an abnormal prostate cancer screening test.

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Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

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‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.

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GE HealthCare moves PET/CT scanner production to United States

The all-in-one Omni Legend PET/CT scanner is now being manufactured in a new production facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin.