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.

RadNet sees quarterly revenue climb to ‘record’ $432M with double-digit growth across multiple modalities
Comparing only imaging centers that operated both quarters, MRI volumes increased 10% compared to Q1 of 2023 while PET/CT was up more than 15%.
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.

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

In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, leaders in the radiology community are speaking out and publicly denouncing the aggressions. On March 1, the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) released a statement condemning the actions that have led to the loss of innocent lives of civilians in Ukraine, while also voicing concern for the workers managing the country’s nuclear facilities.

American College of Radiology joins other medical societies in speaking out over Ukraine crisis

“The ACR and its members stand ready to assist and support our radiologic colleagues and other medical providers in Ukraine," the group said March 4.

March 8, 2022

From the Great Resignation to PET/CT, 9 trends driving diagnostic imaging in 2022

“These trends represent the business, market, and technology dynamics that imaging leaders cannot afford to ignore,” Alliance Healthcare Services reported recently.

February 24, 2022

Cleveland Clinic names PSMA PET a top 10 medical innovation to watch in 2022

Each year, the Ohio hospital system picks the biggest breakthroughs that will reshape healthcare in the months ahead.

February 17, 2022

Imaging advocate applauds CMS’ decision to lift longstanding PET payment restriction

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is removing restrictions for using positron emission tomography scans outside of cancer care.

November 12, 2021

District of Columbia DC congress capitol hill

Imaging advocates, bipartisan lawmakers unite to oppose ‘misguided and massive’ Medicare pay cuts

Congressmen highlighted a planned wage increase for clinical labor that will spell 20% reductions elsewhere, due to budget neutrality.

September 1, 2021

quality imaging appropriateness clinical decision support CAS AUC

Quality experts urge CMS to fold imaging Appropriate Use Criteria Program into other value initiatives

After years of delays, the initiative's usefulness has "diminished significantly," imaging leaders from several noted institutions wrote in Health Affairs.

August 27, 2021

CMS pulls about-face, revoking ‘unexpected’ new barriers to PET imaging payment

The Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging says the feds appear to have reconsidered a controversial recent decision.

August 5, 2021

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

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.

Cardiovascular Business

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.

Cardiovascular Business

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.