Alexander Peter Lin1,2, Verna Clements3, Thao Tran2, Brian David Ross2
1Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA; 2Huntington Medical Research Institutes, Pasadena, CA, USA; 3C.C.&C. Medical Billing Service, Los Angeles, CA, USA
It is popular belief that magnetic resonance spectroscopy is not reimbursed by the healthcare system however this is simply not true. MRS, CPT code 76390, is in fact reimbursed across the country with a national average of over $587.49 per exam. The goal of this study is to examine the history of reimbursement for MRS and to determine current reimbursement rates for this clinically important diagnostic tool. A brief discussion of effective MRS reimbursement strategies is also described.