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. 

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SNMMI publishes AUC for somatostatin receptor PET imaging

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) announced Thursday, Jan. 4, the publication of appropriate use criteria (AUC) for somatostatin receptor PET imaging in neuroendocrine tumors.

SNMMI concerned about oncology coverage guidelines

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging expressed its concern with an updated list of oncology coding recommendations released by eviCore, a benefits management company. 

SNMMI board unanimously votes against ABNM/ABR proposal

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) board of directors has unanimously voted that it does not support the proposal by the American Board of Nuclear Medicine (ABNM) and American Board of Radiology (ABR) to develop a new single training pathway that incorporates both nuclear medicine (NM) and diagnostic radiology (DR). 

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SNMMI introduces infographic explaining nuclear medicine therapy

 Reston, Va. (November 20, 2014) — The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) has released a new infographic showing how certain types of cancer can be treated using nuclear medicine therapy. Targeted Cancer Treatment with Nuclear Medicine Therapy is a visual guide to radioisotope therapy, a personalized treatment where a radioactive drug compound seeks and destroys cancer cells.

2014 SNMMI Annual Meeting

June 7-11, 2014St. Louis, MO 

Disparities based on age, race persist in PET use for lung cancer patients

Demographic differences in the use of PET imaging among Medicare beneficiaries with non-small cell lung cancer have persisted since the modality’s approval by Medicare in 1998, according to a study published online Feb. 15 in Radiology.

ASNC Releases Dose-Reduction Guidelines for Nuclear Cardiology

Technological improvements in image acquisition and software processing in nuclear cardiology should allow physicians to shave patient imaging times dramatically or cut radiation doses fourfold, according to a new preferred practice statement from the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC).

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Around the web

Health Imaging
Outdated manuals pose MRI safety risks for patients with medical implants

After reviewing years of data from its clinic, one institution discovered that issues with implant data integrity frequently put patients at risk. 

Health Imaging
What might reimbursements for proposed MRI safety CPT codes look like?

Prior to the final proposal’s release, the American College of Radiology reached out to CMS to offer its recommendations on payment rates for five out of the six the new codes.

Health Imaging
'A very, very good thing'—CMS proposes reimbursements for providers' efforts to ensure MRI safety

“Before these CPT codes there was no real acknowledgment of the additional burden borne by the providers who accepted these patients."

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