Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is covered when used to verify vascular conditions suspected on prior testing and for specific indications in head/neck (eg, carotid stenosis, intracranial aneurysm with supporting clinical or CSF evidence), peripheral lower-extremity arteries, abdominal/pelvic pre-operative assessment for elective AAA repair, renal/aortoiliac imaging with evidence of renovascular disease, and select chest indications (pulmonary embolism, thoracic aortic disease) per CMS NCD guidance. MRA is not covered for screening asymptomatic intracranial aneurysms or for renal artery evaluation without evidence of renovascular hypertension; all services must meet CMS medical necessity and national coverage determination criteria and are subject to audit.

"MRA is appropriate to verify the presence of a vascular condition suspected on prior testing (usually another imaging study) rather than as an initial screening test."