Expert: Michalene Peticca - 5/27/2009

Question
Michalene,
Thank You for answering my question on the over medicaition. My friend ask the psychiatrist if they had looked at the MRI from the hospital. She was told know and that people who have strokes have vascular dementia. She was told that if she wanted to have an MRI done, she would have to pay for it. This doesn't sound right. Shouldn't the nursing home take care of the MRI? Thank You.

Answer
Hi Barb,

Thanks for keeping me up to date.  First of all, if an MRI was done at the hospital....your friend can request a copy and ask the psychiatrist to review it.  Another one need not be performed.  At the very least, there is a consultation report that a radiologist dictated that should be on the resident chart.  So, she should ask to read that.  It will show if there were findings of Vascular dementia.  Look for words like, ventricular plural fusions or see if a diagnosis was put on at the bottom.

Second.  Usually and MRI is covered by Medicare if a physician writes that it is necessary.  And, in this case, it would be necessary to rule out Vascular dementia or if your friend's parent had a recent decline in alertness, memory, functioning abilities.

If Medicare is not present to cover the cost, Medical Assistance (if the person is receiving Med. Assistance from the state) covers the cost.

No, the nursing home does not cover the cost of the MRI. However, ask the nursing home to send your friend's parent to the hospital to have the MRI done and it will most likely be covered by Medicare.

Keep me posted!

Best Regards,

Michalene Peticca, MA