National Coverage Analysis (NCA) Tracking Sheet

Magnetic Resonance Angiography of the Abdomen and Pelvis

CAG-00142N

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 (CE-MRA), blood flow is imaged after the patient receives an intravenous injection of a gadolinium-based contrast agent.

Medicare currently has a National Coverage Determination (NCD) on MRA, which is listed in Sectiozn 50-14 of the Coverage Issues Manual. On June 4, 2002 the American College of Radiology formally requested that the NCD be amended to expand coverage for MRA and CE-MRA of the abdomen and pelvis to include:

  1. Renal arteries separate from abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or aortic dissection;
  2. Aortoiliac arteries separate from abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or aortic dissection; and
  3. Catheter angiography (CA) as an adjunct service to CE-MRA when clinically warranted.

Benefit Category

Diagnostic Tests (other)

Requestor Information

Requestor Name Requestor Letter
American College of Radiology (ACR) N/A
Society of Cardiovascular & Interventional Radiology (SCVIR) N/A
American College of Cardiology (ACC) N/A
Society for Vascular Medicine and Biology (SVMG) N/A
N/A

Important Dates

Formal Request Accepted and Review Initiated
07/01/2002
Expected NCA Completion Date
11/15/2002
Public Comment Period
07/31/2002 - N/A
Proposed Decision Memo Due Date
Proposed Decision Memo Released
Proposed Decision Memo Public Comment Period
Decision Memo Released
04/15/2003

Contacts

Lead Analysts
Stuart Caplan, RN, MAS
Lead Medical Officers
Ronald Dei Cas, MD

Medicare Benefit Category Determination Date

Actions Taken

July 1, 2002

Formal request for reconsideration accepted by the Coverage and Analysis Group.

September 24, 2002

Additional time is needed to complete the review. The due date will be extended to November 15, 2002.

April 15, 2003