DeNucci: State Losing Millions On Unnecessary MRIs

State Auditor Joe DeNucci said MassHealth, the state's Medicaid program, may be losing millions of dollars on advanced imaging services like MRIs.

In a press release, DeNucci said the state has no safeguards against physicians who refer patients to imaging facilities in which they have a financial interest. Also, the MassHealth reimbursement rate for imaging services has not been reduced to the level used by the federal government.

DeNucci said the amount spent on imaging services has increased dramatically in the last decade. In 2009, MassHealth paid more than $30 million on 582,000 claims for advanced imaging.

DeNucci is retiring as auditor. Candidates running for the position in November include former state labor secretary Suzanne Bump and Worcester County Sherriff Guy Glodis.