Back to dashboard
CommercialCoverageHigh impact

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Cardiovascular System - Cardiac MRI (CPB 0520, reviewed 2026-08-20)

Aetna·Cardiology, Radiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery +2 more·Radiology
Effective date
Not stated
We identified it
Oct 5, 2026
Days to comply
—

Summary

Aetna has updated its Cardiac MRI policy (CPB 0520) effective immediately, establishing comprehensive medical necessity criteria for cardiac MRI across 13 major clinical indications while designating specific advanced techniques (absolute quantification of myocardial blood flow, 4D flow MRI, whole-heart coronary MRA, ferumoxytol use) as experimental/investigational and not covered. Billing teams must verify that all cardiac MRI claims align with the listed covered indications and prior authorization documentation requirements.

Action Required

Action needed
Immediately: Billing team must update authorization and claims processing for all cardiac MRI services. (1) Configure billing system to require clinical documentation linking all cardiac MRI requests (CPT 75557, 75559, 75561, 75563, 75565) to one of the 13 covered indications listed in the policy (thoracic aortic disease, pericardial disease, masses/pathology, pulmonary artery pathology, right ventricular cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, atrial fibrillation, large vein diseases, valvular disease, coronary artery disease, infarction complications, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, pediatric pulmonary hypertension, anomalous coronary arteries, or cardiac masses). (2) Implement denial rules to reject claims for experimental procedures: CPT 0899T, 0900T, whole-heart coronary MRA, and 4D flow cardiac MRI without medical review. (3) Flag all orders containing contrast agents (HCPCS A9576, A9577, A9578, A9579) and HCPCS codes C9762, C9763 for verification that the clinical scenario justifies their use and doesn't represent duplicative imaging. (4) Establish prior authorization workflow requiring physician documentation of why previous testing (echocardiogram, SPECT, CT, ultrasound) was inconclusive or non-diagnostic when cardiac MRI is requested for cardiac function, morphology, valvular disease, or cardiac masses. (5) Providers must update ordering documentation to specify the medical necessity indication at time of service. Failure to comply will result in claim denials and potential recoupment.

Affected Billing Codes

75557
75559
75561
75563
75565
A9576
A9577
A9578
A9579
C9762
C9763