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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Beset with problems, radiology provider Akumin forms special committee to evaluate its strained capital structure

Its challenges have included a key imaging center shuttered by a hurricane, equipment delivery delays and problems filling positions. 

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RBMA, ACR, RadNet and Rayus Radiology urge CMS to fix ‘burdensome’ reporting requirement

The groups are concerned that the rule could result in billing errors, inadvertent payment denials and slow claims processing. 

Demand for imaging to swell after approval of new Alzheimer’s drug, GE HealthCare predicts

"We believe that this is a pretty profound growth opportunity across the space," CEO Peter Arduini told investors during a Q2 earnings call. 

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CMS proposes expanding coverage for PET scans related to Alzheimer’s disease

The agency is looking to lift the longstanding NCD that restricts patients to one amyloid-detecting positron emission tomography exam in their lifetime.

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CMS seeks feedback on issuing separate payment for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals

The agency issued its solicitation as part of the recently released 2024 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rule. 

Imaging advocates urge feds to fix PET coverage gap following approval of new Alzheimer’s drug

CMS intends to soon propose a new national coverage determination that would loosen restrictions around PET payment, according to a report published Monday. 

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New prostate cancer PET imaging agent officially available for commercial use

Posluma (flotufolastat F 18) received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval in May 2023.

American College of Radiology, nuclear medicine society urge CMS to fix years-old billing code mistakes

SNMMI and ACR are pushing the agency to make modifications retroactive, so specialists can still claim lost revenues impacted by the error. 

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Around the web

Health Imaging
Nearly $800,000 settlement offered to family of man who died during MRI exam

The patient, who was being cared for in the ICU, was not accompanied or monitored by nursing staff during his exam, despite being sedated.

Cardiovascular Business
Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over

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.

Cardiovascular Business
‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT

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.