Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine (also called molecular imaging) includes positron emission computed tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. Nuclear imaging is achieved by injecting small amounts of radioactive material (radiopharmaceuticals) into patients before or during their scan. These can use sugars or chemical traits to bond to specific cells. The radioactive material is taken up by cells that consume the sugars. The radiation emitted from inside the body is detected by photon detectors outside the body. Computers take the data to assemble images of the radiation emissions. Nuclear images may appear fuzzy or ghostly rather than the sharper resolution from MRI and CT. But, it provides metabolic information at a cellular level, showing if there are defects in the function of the heart, areas of very high metabolic activity associated with cancer cells, or areas of inflammation, data not available from other modalities. These noninvasive imaging exams are used to diagnose cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, bone disorders and other disorders.

Practice must pay $14M after table collapses under patient during imaging exam, jury rules
The original inciting incident occurred in July 2014, when 58-year-old James Griswold visited the Connecticut provider group for a nuclear stress imaging test.
Medicare drops AUC requirement for advanced imaging, ASNC celebrates
"This was an unneeded burden, which was solely adding to the administrative hassles of medicine," said American Society of Nuclear Cardiology President Larry Phillips.
Amyloid blood test could eliminate millions in spending on PET imaging for Alzheimer’s
At roughly $5,000 per positron emission tomography exam, experts estimate the U.S. healthcare system could save $9 million (or about $1,432 per patient) on imaging.
Radiologists produce imitation PET scans via routine CT imaging
“With further tuning and validation, this pipeline may potentially add value in cancer screening, staging, diagnosis and prognosis," experts wrote in Cell Reports Medicine.
PHOTO GALLERY of brain imaging
This is a clinical photo gallery of neuro imaging and what conditions can be can be visualized in brain scans, and various imaging techniques used.

The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) is asking Congress to repeal the appropriate use software provision mandate, which physicians say is an obstacle to efficient care.

VIDEO: Imaging societies ask Congress to repeal appropriate use decision support mandate

Randall Thompson, MD, immediate past president of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC), explains the current ASNC lobbying efforts.

April 21, 2022

An example of a positive amyloid plaque PET nuclear brain scan. these tests can help identify Alzheimer's patients earlier so they can be prescribed drugs to treat the condition.

CMS coverage decision for Alzheimer's drug, related PET scans sparks concern in imaging community

In a statement released on April 14, MITA cautioned that the coverage decision will “severely limit patient access” to amyloid PET diagnostics and anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies treatment.

April 18, 2022

The ASNC is one of several medical imaging societies asking Congress to repeal the appropriate use criteria (AUC) criteria mandate. They say it poses issues for clinicians and is becoming outdated by changes in CMS payment systems. The AUC requirements call for documentation using CVMS authorized software in order to show advanced imaging such as nuclear and CT is justified, or else Medicare payments might be withheld.

American Society of Nuclear Cardiology urges Congress to speed prior authorizations, repeal AUC mandate

Over the past few weeks, members of ASNC’s Health Policy Committee have held meetings with their members of Congress.

April 18, 2022

New imaging technique could provide cheaper alternative to costly PET scanners

Resource-challenged providers in rural areas and elsewhere may not always have access to this technology, given the hefty price tag, experts wrote Monday.

April 12, 2022

Imaging industry advocate slams feds’ failure to address PET coverage gap in recent ruling

The Society for Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging expressed "strong opposition" following CMS' decision, arguing there is no evidence to support limiting pay for such scans.

April 11, 2022

CMS finalizes decision to limit coverage for controversial Alzheimer’s drug, related imaging

The agency has maintained the same pay restrictions in its final policy, only covering PET scans if required by a clinical trial protocol.

April 8, 2022

FDA approves new therapy, complementary imaging agent for treating metastatic prostate cancer

Provider advocates praised the decision, calling it “one of the greatest success stories in nuclear medicine history.”

March 24, 2022

Metastatic prostate cancer cases surge following USPSTF-recommended slowdown in screenings

New PET imaging techniques with higher sensitivity may have also contributed to these trends, USC experts wrote in JAMA Open Network.

March 15, 2022

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Medicare drops AUC requirement for advanced imaging, ASNC celebrates

"This was an unneeded burden, which was solely adding to the administrative hassles of medicine," said American Society of Nuclear Cardiology President Larry Phillips.

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Cardiology, radiology groups urge insurance provider to rethink imaging policy

SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound.

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Radiology AI company gains FDA clearance for new CT offerings focused on PE, stroke

The newly approved AI models are designed to improve the detection of pulmonary embolisms and strokes in patients who undergo CT scans.