Expanding the Value of Imaging
Offer More Insight
MRE offers Radiologists and referrers a powerful new option for liver assessment. This non-invasive approach can enable more frequent evaluation when closer monitoring is needed. By creating a visual representation of liver tissue stiffness, MRE helps radiologists deliver a more confident diagnosis at a lower cost than previous techniques.
Both comprehensive and non-invasive, MRE can appeal to patients and physicians, and can help expand the role of radiology into new areas. Recognized by both Radiology and Gastroenterology societies as a vital tool for liver fibrosis assessment, MRE is poised to help tackle the growing epidemics of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH).
How MRE Works
The image is captured in as little as 14 seconds, or one breath hold, in three steps:
A simple, drum-like driver generates acoustic waves within the tissue of interest.
A special MRI technique images minute displacements of the tissue that result from wave propagation.
An advanced mathematical
technique generates maps
of tissue stiffness, known as
“elastograms”.
Sitting in the room adjacent to the MRI suite, the Resoundant system's Active Driver safely produces the 60Hz vibrations that work with the proprietary MRE software to uncover even the most subtle changes in tissue stiffness.
Rarely seen,
but always heard.
Gentle enough for your
smallest patients
Photo courtesy of Cincinnati Children's Hospital
Digital palpation,
without using your digits.
Resoundant's Passive Driver safely delivers shear waves directly to the patient's region of interest. Depending on the indication being studied, Resoundant develops passive drivers specially-crafted for patient comfort and diagnostic performance.
Resoundant liver passive driver
Literature
Looking for some quick information to share with referrers? This 4-page brochure, "What you need to know to start using MRE today" can be a good resource for clinicians who may be new to MR Elastography.
It includes a summary of relevant clinical guidelines, common confounders for other non-invasive technologies, and the latest meta-analysis of the performance of MRE for liver fibrosis assessment.
Don't just see. Stage.
With MR Elastography, Radiologists can offer their colleagues in GI, hepatology, diabetology and endocrinology actionable clinical information for patients at risk for liver disease, particularly NAFLD and NASH.
Most importantly, MRE is very sensitive at detecting early stages of fibrosis development - giving providers and patients the opportunity intervene early and take proactive steps to reverse disease progression.
Normal liver
F1
F2
F3
F4
Medicare Coverage and Reimbursement Guide
MR Elastography exams are reimbursed under Medicare Category I Current Procedural Terminology® (CPT) code:
76391 - magnetic resonance (eg, vibration)
Professional (-26) - $56.94
Technical (-TC) - $183.08
Global - $240.02
With this new coverage, ordering options for referring physicians now include either a rapid (~10 minute), standalone MR Elastography for fibrosis assessment, or the addition of MRE when ordered as part of a full abdominal MR workup including HCC screen.
Note: MRE may be a covered benefit if such usage meets all requirements established by the particular payer. However, it is advisable that you verify coverage policies with your local Medicare Administrative Contractor.
Key Question:
Should there be an additional charge for MR Elastography (MRE) when performed with MRI of the abdomen?
Answer:
If both exams (diagnostic MRI and MRE) are ordered and separately performed, then both may be reported. If there is no indication and order for a full abdominal MRI, and instead just Elastography is ordered, use code 76391 (magnetic resonance [e.g., vibration] elastography) to report the MRE. Note that a number of payers are requiring that the order/documentation must support the medical necessity for both when both a full abdominal MRI and Elastography are done.
How do I add MRE at my practice?
Resoundant, Inc. is proud to collaborate with leading imaging manufacturers to make MRE available around the world.
MRE is an add-on option for most new MR scanner purchases, or MRE can be added to nearly any existing 1.5T or 3T MR scanner by contacting your sales representative from one of our partners below and asking for a quote for MRE.
For product information about MRE from each manufacturer, click below:
