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01/02/2021

MRI Cervical Spine

For Members:

  • What is MRI?
    • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a radiation-free, noninvasive, technique that uses strong magnetic fields to produce high quality, detailed and sectional images of the inside of the body in multiple planes.
    • MRI scanner is a large tube, open at both ends that contains powerful magnets, you lie on a flatbed that’s moved into the scanner tube.
    • An MRI scan is performed as an outpatient procedure; you are not required to stay in hospital overnight.
    • It is a painless and safe procedure; anaesthesia or sedation is not needed.
    • The magnetic fields and radio waves used during MRI scan are not harmful. Multiple Researches has confirmed that MRI scans are one of the safest medical procedures available.
    • MRI scans aren’t usually recommended for pregnant women.
    • If a scan is ordered to evaluate headache disorder, MRI with contrast is preferred over CT scan.

 

  • What are the General Indications for MRI Cervical spine?
    • Fracture evaluation – following initial evaluation with (X-Ray or CT).
    • Abnormalities detected on other imaging studies.
    • Infections (Abscess, Discitis, Osteomyelitis).
    • Neck pain related with pinching of a nerve (radiculopathy).
    • Post-procedure evaluation.
    • Post-trauma.
    • Rheumatoid arthritis (for suspected cervical subluxation).
    • Multiple sclerosis and other white-matter diseases.
      • Initial diagnosis; OR
      • Periodic scans to assess asymptomatic progression in multiple sclerosis during the course of disease; OR
      • Tracking the progress of multiple sclerosis to establish a prognosis or evaluation of response to treatment; OR
      • To evaluate changes in neurologic signs and symptoms
    • Spinal cord infarct.
    • Severe scoliosis (curved spine)
    • Spondylo-arthropathies (following X-Ray and laboratory work-up).
    • Documented abnormality on neurological exam and has not previously been assessed and imaged or has progressed.
    • Worsening neck pain during a six (6) week course of therapy with at least two (2) different forms of treatment.

 

For Healthcare Providers:

  • All MRI require pre-approval from Nextcare.
  • Always submit detailed history of the sign & symptoms with onset and duration of the disease.
  • In case of trauma, kindly provide:
  • Details of trauma (when, where and how).
  • Neurological findings.
  • If X-Ray is already done, please provide the report.
  • In case without trauma, kindly provide:
  • Onset and duration of the current condition.
  • Conservative management provided, with duration and response.
  • Complete physical examination and neurological findings.
  • Signs and symptoms of severe radiculopathy or spinal stenosis.
  • MRI can be approved for Neck pain with radiculopathy, if there is:
  • Documented abnormality on neurological exam in a dermatome/radicular distribution that has not previously been imaged or has progressed since a prior imaging study has been performed.
  • Lack of improvement or worsening during a six (6) week course of therapy with at least two (2) different forms of treatment.
  • MRI can be approved for Neck pain without neurologic or radicular features, when both of the following criteria are met:
    • Lack of improvement or worsening during a six (6) week course of therapy with at least two (2) different forms of treatment.
    • Cervical spine X-ray is negative or does not clearly explain the cause of the patient’s symptoms.
CPT Description
72141 MRI of cervical spine, without contrast
72142 MRI of cervical spine, with contrast
72156 MRI of cervical spine, without contrast, followed by re-imaging with contrast

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