Regarding annual MRIs, what if patients do not want to have them due to high co-pays, or other reason? What if they are every 2-3 years rather than yearly? Mostly our newer patients get yearly MRIs, but not always when they have been stable for several years.

Regarding annual MRIs, what if patients do not want to have them due to high co-pays, or other reason? What if they are every 2-3 years rather than yearly? Mostly our newer patients get yearly MRIs, but not always when they have been stable for several years.

Every effort should be made to encourage the patients to have annual MRIs. Site staff should explain to patients why it would helpful and important as part of this longitudinal follow up study and that information may be learned if their disease subsequently progresses. Annual MRIs are not considered excessive by insurance payers and the cost for annual MRIs should be billed to insurance as part of standard of care. CMSC may consider reimbursing for MRI co-pays not covered by insurance.

11/13/2015

June 12, 2017