CMS Approves MR Safety Codes

Medical Physics Consultants, Inc

Magnetic Resonance Imaging can be very tricky these days with a dynamic environment of revolutionary technology.  What is MR compatible?  What is MR safe?  The answer can be completely different depending on the age or magnetic field strength of your scanner(s)! How much time and effort does your team need to dedicate to determining device compatibility while offering a safe patient experience?  All of these determinations can be demanding on an already over- burdened staff however good news from CMS was released earlier this week approving six MRI safety codes intended to reimburse providers for all of the additional work being required to ensure patient safety.  These codes were first proposed after MR accidents have seemingly increased over the past year and a half.  MR is the last place anyone wants a mishap to occur as it could be fatal; not good!  To read more about the codes that have been approved we refer you to this summary article.  If you are looking to enhance your competency on the physics and physiology underpinnings of many of the contemporary clinical MRI safety considerations in MRI patient care the Image Wisely initiative has released a continuing education course worth 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit through the American College of Radiology or 1.0 Category A Credit hour of the ARRT; Release date: 4/22/2024  Expiration date: 4/22/2027.