Coverage of Conditions and Treatments (Coverage Decisions)

Use this lookup tool to determine coverage decisions, or if prior authorization is needed for the treatment or condition. Note: For Self-insured employer claims, you must contact the employer or their claims administrator.

List also available in PDF format.

Archived Coverage Decisions.

See Treatment Guidelines and Resources for additional information.

Standing, Weight-bearing, Positional and Upright™ magnetic resonance imaging is a method of imaging that allows the subject to be in weight-bearing positions, either seated or standing and in flexed or extended positions.

Coverage decision

Standing, weight-bearing, positional and upright Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures are not covered. Standing, weight-bearing, positional and upright MRI for diagnosis of any condition is scientifically unproven and is therefore considered investigational and experimental. There is not adequate scientific evidence showing diagnostic accuracy or utility.

Note: Traditional supine or recumbent imaging in FDA approved MRI scanners, including those capable of standing, weight-bearing, or upright positioning, are covered procedures when medically appropriate.

Standing, weight-bearing, positional and upright Magnetic Resonance Imaging is an innovative method of imaging which allows the subject to be in weight-bearing positions, either seated or standing and in flexed or extended positions. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners have traditionally required that imaging be performed with subjects lying down (i.e. recumbent, or supine) due to the way the machines are built.

See Also

L&I's Standing MRI technology assessment (139 KB PDF)