Why does Aetna deny MRI?
Asked by: Johnny Bauch | Last update: October 23, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (7 votes)
Does Aetna insurance cover MRI?
Aetna considers magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) medically necessary for appropriate indications without regard to the field strength or configuration of the MRI unit. Aetna considers intermediate and low field strength MRI units to be an acceptable alternative to standard full strength MRI units.
Why would an MRI be denied by insurance?
Common reasons include lack of pre-authorization or insufficient medical necessity documentation. You can appeal the decision by providing additional information or clarifying the medical necessity with your healthcare provider's help.
Why would Aetna deny an MRI?
While it is unlikely that your insurer would deny your claim for an MRI scan by saying the procedure is experimental, it may claim the scan is “not medically necessary.” The insurance company may require your physician to first perform x-rays and a CT scan to determine the cause of your medical issue because those ...
How long does it take for Aetna to approve an MRI?
Once your doctor sends a request for prior authorization, Aetna reviews the request. During our review, we look at the most recent and highest quality medical research and guidelines. We update your care provider throughout the review process to keep them informed on the status, and come to a decision within 14 days.
Health Insurance Denials
How do I get my insurance to approve an MRI?
In the majority of instances, obtaining a referral from your doctor is typically required for insurance approval of an MRI. It is crucial to have a thorough conversation with your doctor regarding the specific reasons for needing the MRI and to request a comprehensive explanation within the referral.
What is the denial rate for Aetna?
Other insurance companies with the highest claim denial rates included Sendero Health Plans (28%), Molina Healthcare (26%) and Community First Health Plans (26%). Additionally, the analysis found the denial rates for other major insurance companies, including Anthem (23%), Medica (23%) and Aetna (22%).
Who may not be eligible for an MRI?
For these reasons, MRI is generally not performed if you have one of the following: +Cardiac pacemaker* or other implanted electronic devices. +Certain types of cerebral aneurysm clips. +Certain types of metallic implants.
How to fight Aetna denial?
Call the toll-free number on your Member ID card or the number on the claim denial letter. Once expedited review is requested, our clinical team reviews the request to decide if our criteria is met for urgent appeal, if it is not met the appeal then flows to our standard workflow.
How do I know if my insurance will cover an MRI?
You can also call the phone number on the back of your health insurance card for assistance choosing a provider in your network. Keep in mind that your insurance company has the right to determine whether your MRI is medically necessary, and if they don't, they can refuse to cover your costs.
Why would a doctor refuse an MRI?
All doctors who refused the MRI told the patient this was based on lack of a medical indication for the test; seven (19%) also cited the test's expense. Twenty physicians (53%) of 38 agreed to a neurology referral.
Why is MRI so expensive even with insurance?
This high cost is partly due to the complexity of the machinery, which uses powerful magnetic fields and is cooled by liquid helium, consuming a significant amount of electricity. Additionally, the expertise required to operate and interpret MRI scans contributes to the high cost.
Why do I need prior authorization for an MRI?
Role of Prior Authorization in MRI Procedures
For instance, insurers may need to verify the necessity for MRI in case of chronic injuries, pain, and long-term medical issues. The ultimate aim of PA is to ensure efficient use of the resources and that the patients receive the right service and care at the right time.
Why isn't my MRI covered by insurance?
Insurance denials for MRI scans or surgeries can happen due to various reasons, such as pre-authorization requirements, medical necessity disputes, or administrative errors. It's important to remember that denial doesn't necessarily mean you won't receive the necessary care.
Will Aetna cover CT scans?
Medical Necessity
Aetna considers annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scanning, also known as spiral CT or helical CT scanning, medically necessary for current or former smokers ages 50 to 80 years with a 20 pack-year or more smoking history and, if a former smoker, has quit within the past 15 years.
What is Aetna deductible?
A deductible is the amount you pay for coverage services before your health plan kicks in. After you meet your deductible, you pay a percentage of health care expenses known as coinsurance. It's like when friends in a carpool cover a portion of the gas, and you, the driver, also pay a portion.
How to appeal a MRI denial?
- Step 1: Find Out Why Your Claim Was Denied. ...
- Step 2: Call Your Insurance Provider. ...
- Step 3: Call Your Doctor's Office. ...
- Step 4: Collect the Right Paperwork. ...
- Step 5: Submit an Internal Appeal. ...
- Step 6: Wait For An Answer. ...
- Step 7: Submit an External Review. ...
- Review Your Plan Coverage.
Why is Aetna not paying claims?
If you've had a health treatment or disability claim denied by Aetna, it could be because: The procedure is considered cosmetic (not medically necessary) Your doctor is out of network or doesn't participate in the plan. Your plan doesn't cover your medical condition.
Which health insurance denies the most claims?
According to personal finance website ValuePenguin – which used federal data from 2022 to compile in-network claim denial rates by companies offering plans on at least some Affordable Care Act exchanges – UnitedHealthcare denied nearly one-third of claims, topping the list.
How do I get insurance to authorize my MRI?
It is important to note that insurance coverage for MRIs often requires pre-authorization or approval from the insurance provider. The healthcare provider or facility typically initiates this process, providing necessary medical information to justify the medical necessity of the MRI.
Why can't you get an MRI?
you think you have any metal in or on your body. you're pregnant or breastfeeding. you've ever had an allergic reaction to a contrast agent. you have kidney problems.
What qualifies for MRI?
- Tumours, including cancer.
- Soft tissue injuries such as damaged ligaments.
- Joint injury or disease.
- Spinal injury or disease.
- Injury or disease of internal organs including the brain, heart and digestive organs.
Is Aetna considered good insurance?
It also offers benefits like access to 24/7 virtual care at no or low costs, depending on your plan, and mental health coverage. Aetna is regarded as a good health insurance provider overall.
What is the most common source of insurance denials?
- Incomplete or inaccurate patient information.
- Healthcare plan changes.
- Claims submission errors.
- Untimely claims submissions.
What is the cut off age for Aetna insurance?
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requires plans and issuers that offer coverage to children on their parents plan, to make the coverage available until the adult child reaches the age of 26, even if the young adult child no longer lives with his or her parents, is not a dependent on a parent's tax ...