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. 

2022 year

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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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Lawmakers urge CMS to reexamine long-delayed imaging Appropriate Use Criteria program

The quality initiative has been pushed back several times, and some are concerned that it's no longer relevant and duplicates other efforts. 

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Imaging advocates offer guidance after reported spate of SPECT/CT payment denials

The Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging said it’s received “many complaints” from the field pertaining to various commercial payers. 

Around the web

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.

The all-in-one Omni Legend PET/CT scanner is now being manufactured in a new production facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

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