MRI denials: 42.8% overturned by independent reviewers
In 1,068 California IMR decisions from 2001 to 2026, reviewers overturned the plan 457 times (42.8%). In the last five years: 52.2% of 293. Denials reach IMR only when a member appeals all the way; read the caveats below before generalising.
By diagnosis
| Diagnosis category | Decisions | Overturned | Last 5 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orth/Musculoskeletal | 527 | 39.7% | 51.7% of 172 |
| Cancer | 120 | 55.0% | 66.7% of 15 |
| OB-GYN/ Pregnancy | 103 | 40.8% | — |
| CNS/ Neuromusc Dis | 92 | 52.2% | 65.2% of 23 |
| GU/ Kidney Disorder | 42 | 42.9% | 43.3% of 30 |
| Prevention/Good Hlth | 38 | 42.1% | 83.3% of 6 |
| Cardiac/Circ Problem | 26 | 38.5% | 50.0% of 10 |
| Trauma/ Injuries | 24 | 29.2% | 66.7% of 3 |
| Digestive System/ GI | 20 | 50.0% | 62.5% of 8 |
| Ears/Nose/Throat | 10 | 40.0% | 50.0% of 4 |
| Immuno Disorders | 9 | 22.2% | 0.0% of 4 |
| Endocrine/Metabolic | 8 | 62.5% | 60.0% of 5 |
| Foot Disorder | 8 | 25.0% | 33.3% of 3 |
| Not Applicable | 6 | 50.0% | — |
| Chron Pain Synd | 6 | 50.0% | — |
| Post Surgical Comp | 6 | 66.7% | 33.3% of 3 |
| Genetic Diseases | 5 | 80.0% | — |
By year (last five)
| Year | Decisions | Overturned |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 52 | 44.2% |
| 2022 | 41 | 41.5% |
| 2023 | 56 | 46.4% |
| 2024 | 68 | 55.9% |
| 2025 | 75 | 64.0% |
| 2026 | 1 | 100.0% |
What the findings mention
| What the findings mention | Decisions | Overturned | All decisions here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Published evidence citedThe findings refer to peer-reviewed or published evidence. | 244 | 34.0% | 42.8% |
| Records did not supportThe findings say the documentation did not show what was needed (usually an upheld denial). | 181 | 2.2% | 42.8% |
| Guidelines or criteria citedThe findings cite guidelines, criteria or a standard of care. | 107 | 41.1% | 42.8% |
| Prior therapies failedThe findings mention treatments that were tried without adequate response. | 42 | 45.2% | 42.8% |
| Experimental or investigationalThe findings discuss whether the treatment is experimental. | 21 | 61.9% | 42.8% |
| Alternatives contraindicatedThe findings mention a contraindication to the plan's preferred option. | 10 | 40.0% | 42.8% |
| Urgent or emergencyThe findings mention urgency. | 9 | 33.3% | 42.8% |
Keyword matches on the reviewer’s findings, not causes. A tag that appears mostly in overturned decisions is worth documenting in an appeal; it is not a guarantee.
From recent overturned decisions
“The physician reviewer found that Nature of Statutory Criteria/Case Summary: A patient has requested authorization and coverage for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the pelvis with and without contrast.Ejaculatory duct obstruction is a treatable cause of male infertility and is often caused by cysts affecting the ejaculatory ducts. MRI provides detailed visualization of the ejaculatory ducts and can …”
“The physician reviewer found that a patient has requested reimbursement for magnetic resonance imaging of the left knee. The American College of Radiology (ACR) appropriateness criteria for the evaluation of chronic knee pain in adults with initial radiographs demonstrating degenerative changes note that magnetic resonance imaging may be appropriate as the next imaging examination. Per the medical records, given that …”
“The physician reviewer found that Nature of Statutory Criteria/Case Summary: A patient has requested authorization and coverage for magnetic resonance imaging scan of (1) the left knee and/or (2) lumbar spine. The American College of Radiology (ACR) appropriateness criteria for the evaluation of chronic knee pain recommend radiographs as the initial imaging study. Conservative management, including physical therapy for at …”
- California only: these are decisions by independent reviewers under California's IMR program (plans regulated by the Department of Managed Health Care). Other states and self-funded employer plans use different reviewers and rules.
- Selection: only denials that a member took all the way to IMR appear. Most denials are never appealed, and the ones that reach an external reviewer are not a random sample.
- Overturned means the reviewer disagreed with the plan; it does not mean the treatment worked or that a similar request will be approved.
- Argument tags are keyword matches on the reviewer's findings. They describe what the findings mention, not why the case was decided.
- Categories are DMHC's own labels (treatment sub-category and diagnosis category); 'Other' is a catch-all and is excluded from rankings.
Source: California Department of Managed Health Care, Independent Medical Review (IMR) Determinations, Trend (CHHS Open Data). Public California government data; Apellica's aggregates and tags are CC BY 4.0.
Questions
How often were MRI denials overturned?
In 1,068 California IMR decisions from 2001 to 2026, reviewers overturned the plan 457 times (42.8%). In the last five years: 52.2% of 293.
What did the reviewers' findings mention in overturned cases?
The table on this page counts keyword matches in the findings: prior therapies tried, contraindications, guidelines cited, published evidence, whether the records supported the request. They describe what the findings say, not why the case was decided.
Does a California IMR result apply to my plan?
Only California plans regulated by the Department of Managed Health Care go to IMR. Other states and self-funded employer plans use different reviewers, but the reasoning is the same kind: criteria, documentation and alternatives. Use the findings as a guide to what to document.
Related: California appeal rights · California external-review reversal rate · The levers library · CSV
Independent reviewers reverse plans when the record answers the criteria. Upload the denial letter; a senior reviewer reads it within 24 hours and tells you in writing whether it can be appealed and how. $0 upfront, 10% of what is recovered, nothing if we do not recover. Not a law firm.