Nuclear Cardiology

Single photon computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) molecular imaging are used as primary cardiac imaging modalities to evaluate the function of the heart. It uses radioactive isotopes attached to sugars that are metabolized by cardiomyocytes. This creates an image of the metabolic activity of the heart and shows areas of ischemia or infarct. Other radiotracers can image the heart to diagnosis cardiac amyloidosis and sarcoidosis.

3 industry partnerships, 1 clinical aim: Enriching the global supply chain of medical isotopes
Nuclear medicine operations may soon enjoy steadier flows of certain in-demand radioisotopes. If so, much credit will go to companies that had the strategic sense to collaborate with each other.
FDA-cleared software increases throughput for flurpiridaz back-to-back rest-stress imaging
The new F-18 flurpiridaz radiotracer is expected to help drive cardiac PET growth, but it requires waiting between rest and stress scans. Software from MultiFunctional Imaging can help care teams combat that problem.
ASNC speaks to members of Congress about major trends in cardiology
The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology made its voice heard, pushing for legislation to repeal Medicare payment cuts and tie payments to inflationary increases. Prior authorization and a proposed tariff on radioisotopes were also discussed.
ASNC, ACC ask US government not to tariff radiopharmaceuticals
The two groups stressed that tariffs would likely impact patient care.
Tariffs will have a significant impact on the nuclear imaging supply chain in the US
"Domestic radiopharmaceutical suppliers, who receive isotopes from abroad, would be impacted by price changes and uncertainty caused by additional tariffs,” SNMMI President Cathy Cutler, PhD, wrote in a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce this week.

‘A troublesome trend’: Top imaging groups slam insurer-directed test substitution policies

Advocates say payers' push for single first-line imaging tests for all patients isn't backed by evidence and may cause harm.

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.

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.

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.

Medical isotope specialist NorthStar announces new executive hire

Frank Scholz, PhD, will oversee the Beloit, Wisconsin, firm's Mo-99 expansion efforts and new radioisotope development programs, among other duties.

Combining AI with cardiac imaging helps predict heart attacks, cardiovascular deaths

The findings were presented virtually during the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging's 2021 Annual Meeting.

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.

Humana agrees to take second look at panned payment change labeling PET/CT as ‘investigational’

The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology recently met with the Louisville, Kentucky, insurer, which shared an openness to reviewing a recent coverage determination.

Nuclear Cardiology

3 industry partnerships, 1 clinical aim: Enriching the global supply chain of medical isotopes

FDA-cleared software increases throughput for flurpiridaz back-to-back rest-stress imaging

ASNC speaks to members of Congress about major trends in cardiology

ASNC, ACC ask US government not to tariff radiopharmaceuticals

Tariffs will have a significant impact on the nuclear imaging supply chain in the US