Positron emission tomography/computed tomography is a hybrid nuclear medicine imaging technique that helps radiologists spot abnormal metabolic activity. PET/CT is commonly used to diagnose cancers, heart diseases and certain brain disorders, among other conditions.
Though both modalities offer providers insight into the extent of a patient’s disease, WB-MRI may be more beneficial for patients than the current standard of care.
Though these treatments are typically done with assistance from real-time fluoroscopy, there is ample evidence nuclear imaging may offer more benefits.
Currently, the organization relies on a mobile PET unit that parks once every week. However, demand has grown for PET/CT in the area, rising by around 60% over the last three years alone.
"The accuracy of PSMA-PET is essential to improve stratification and potentially outcomes both in low-risk and high-risk settings,” a doctor involved in the study explained in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.
“We showed that risk prediction does not depend on cardiovascular risk scores, stenosis severity or CT calcium scoring," researchers said in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.
The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology recently met with the Louisville, Kentucky, insurer, which shared an openness to reviewing a recent coverage determination.
Multiple nuclear medicine and cardiology groups are working to oppose potential cuts to myocardial PET scans that were made possible by the CMS 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule, according to a joint statement.
When CMS released the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule, it included revisions that could lead to technical component payment reductions of up to 80% for certain services related to myocardial PET scans.
