Medical Technologies & Procedures

Standing, Weight-bearing, Positional and Upright™ Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Coverage decision

Effective July 1, 2006.

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)
Health Care Authority's Health Technology Assessment Program site.

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