Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

Medicare covers MRA when it is medically necessary to evaluate specified head/neck, peripheral lower extremity, or abdominal/pelvic (renal artery) vascular structures and when results will affect surgical or percutaneous management. Coverage requires documentation of medical necessity and supporting clinical or diagnostic evidence (e.g., positive Doppler, carotid bruit, CSF blood, or evidence of renovascular hypertension); routine screening of asymptomatic patients for intracranial aneurysm is not covered. Only one diagnostic vascular test (MRA or conventional angiography) is routinely covered prior to therapy unless the physician documents the need for both.

"MRA of the head and neck is covered to evaluate the carotid arteries, circle of Willis, anterior/middle/posterior cerebral arteries, vertebral or basilar arteries, or venous sinuses when such evalu..."

Sign up to see full coverage criteria, indications, and limitations.