Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Head and Neck

MRI of the orbit, face, sinuses and neck is covered for evaluation/characterization of infections (including suspected osteomyelitis and fungal disease), soft‑tissue pathology, congenital anomalies, masses/tumors, cranial/facial nerve disorders, salivary/vocal cord/internal auditory canal disease, and for tumor management/therapy planning, but MRI is not first‑line for routine sinus imaging or traumatic bony injury and is discouraged solely to confirm sinusitis. Key requirements: the medical record must document medical necessity (including justification for same‑day additional studies such as CT/myelography or brain MRI), adherence to standards of practice, and consideration of contraindications (e.g., implanted neurostimulators or cochlear implants are excluded; evaluate pacemakers, ocular metal/implants and aneurysm clips per guidance).

"Sinus MRI for anosmia or suspected sinus osteomyelitis."