Mra

Does anyone know if Medicare pays for the gadolinium contrast agent when performing an MRA procedure in a physician office or an IDTF?

contrast

Contrast media is separately payable in physician offices and freestanding imaging centers. Payment is based on the average sales price (ASP) plus 6%. ASP rates are adjusted quarterly and are based on the prior quarter's ASP data. The rates can be viewed on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website at:

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/McrPartBDrugAvgSalesPrice/01a1_2009aspfiles.asp#TopOfPage.

mra

Thanks for the info.

I have seen Part B LCDs that say the MRA contrast agent is part of the CPT code and not paid separately. (Trailblazer Part B VA) (Iowa MAC) (Noridian)

I also saw the CMS said it is not part of the PE expense and should be paid separately.

I hate seeing contradictions in the policies.

Are physician offices and IDTFs actually getting paid for their MRA contrast agents in spite of the confusing policies? Thanks.