MRI-Mass.Gov.docVIP

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH DETERMINATION OF NEED GUIDELINES FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING August 19, 1997 Determination of Need Program 10 West Street Boston, MA 02111 I. INTRODUCTION The purpose of these guidelines is to update the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) guidelines adopted by the Public Health Council on May 12, 1987, which updated the original December 10, 1985, guidelines. This update reflects the continuing growth in the uses of MRI and the consequent need to have guidelines that reflect this trend. Information on these trends was obtained from the literature, including the Hospital Technology Series published by the American Hospital Association. These revised guidelines will be used to review MRI applications for service expansion in a consistent manner, while fulfilling the Determination of Need mandate to ensure satisfactory access to quality health care at reasonable cost. MRI technology has continued to improve primarily through software and hardware enhancements. The time required to perform the MRI procedure has been decreased while image quality has improved significantly. New coil design has optimized resolution for small body parts as well as coverage of larger body parts, thereby decreasing overall imaging time. The open design of some new MRI units makes it easier to scan large patients who suffer from claustrophobia. Clinical MRI was used initially for diagnosis in the central nervous system and musculoskeletal system. New developments in both hardware and software and contrast agents have expanded the clinical application of MRI to angiography, imaging of lower and upper extremities, imaging of the thorax, detection and evaluation of breast lesion, functional MRI in neurosurgical planning, and use of MRI in cardiac studies. In view of the clinical indications, interests in the benefits of a noninvasive diagnostic technique as well as emerging new forms of technology and applications, MRI util