Does Medicare Cover MRI Scans? Here’s All You Need to Know
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), MRI is a “magnetic resonance imaging abbreviation.” MRI is an alternative to X-rays, whose excessive radiation are harmful to the human body. MRI scan forms a comprehensive 3D image of one’s body without exposing the human body to harmful radiation. The scan aids a doctor in diagnosing any illness or disease prevailing in the body. The magnetic properties in the MRI scan assist doctors in differentiating numerous kinds of tissues in the body. The MRI scan doesn’t release harmful ionizing radiations like an X-ray or CT scan; it uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to form a 3D image. So, does Medicare cover MRI scans? Let’s find it out.
How Is an MRI Done?
According to the Mayo Clinic Medical and research center, the duration of an MRI scan varies from 15 minutes to an hour. An MRI machine is in a long shape tunnel and, from the front, gives a view of a standing donut. A person lying on the large sliding magnet should still hold the movement as it causes a blurred image of the scan. MRI machine has no sides, whereas a closed MRI machine feels more claustrophobic than an open MRI machine. An MRI scan is painless, but the machine creates noise, so insert earplugs to avoid the noise.
The MRI machine consists of specialized equipment that releases powerful magnetic fields, radiofrequency energies, and a high-configuration computer that develops a clear image of the human body’s inner organs.
However, it is crucial to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, have metal pieces implanted in the body, or be a welder. A person who has undergone an iron implant, such as a pacemaker, metal rod, or cochlear implant, should not enter an MRI machine.
What Is the Need for an MRI?
Doctors recommend an MRI for the scan of non-bony parts of the body. According to the NIH, an MRI scan produces a clear image of the body’s soft organs, such as tissues or muscles. The delicate parts, such as the brain, muscles, or spinal cord, are more evident in the image formed using an MRI scan than the image developed using a CT scan or x-ray machine.
The Mayo Clinic and research center MRI scans can diagnose tumors, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, or strokes in the brain and spinal cord. An MRI scan also aids in the diagnosis of any tumors or irregularities in the human body, such as:
- Liver and kidneys
- Pancreas
- Uterus
- Spleen
- Prostate
- Ovaries
An MRI scan also detects any of the following diseases in the human body:
- Knee injuries
- Bones injuries
- Infections
- Tissues and bone tumors
- Joint irregularities
- Spine injury or abnormalities
How Much Does an MRI Scan Cost?
According to the Forbes report, an MRI scan can cost $500 to $3000. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that an MRI scan costs more than an x-ray or CT scan. When you have medical insurance, the amount you must pay for an MRI scan can be reduced.
Does Medicare Cover MRI Scans?
Usually, medical insurance covers all non-laboratory examinations, including MRI scans, in certain conditions. However, your physician or doctor should prescribe an MRI scan to treat a particular illness or disease. But MRI scan includes co-payments and deductibles clause.
Medicare deals with health insurance in two parts. It offers a plan that allows people to benefit from hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B) through a private insurance company. Generally, the Medicare Advantage plan also covers MRI scans. However, the Medicare Advantage plan requires you to pay the medical insurance premium (Part B).
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