PET/CT

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.

Repurposed radiotracer lights up treatment-resistant tumors 'like a Christmas tree'
Use of the new tracer could improve outcomes by enabling providers to adjust treatment regimens much earlier than they have been able to previously.
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.
Researchers receive grant worth millions to develop portable PET scanner
Experts are hopeful that the portable scanner could improve access to neuroimaging used in the diagnosis and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease.
Understanding hospital billing for cardiac PET/CT
Significant fluctuations in PET and CT reimbursement rates have made it especially challenging to keep up with this complex topic. We spoke to an expert to learn more.
Lizard saliva could be key to spotting elusive pancreatic tumors
By binding the substance to a radiotracer, experts were able to improve the accuracy of identifying these tumors by as much as 30% compared to the standard of care.

Machine learning combined with PET/CT can predict heart attack risk

“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.

January 12, 2022

Physicians support use of PET/CT scans in pregnant women with cancer, survey finds

Researchers say scans pose little risk to an unborn fetus but maintained doctors must weigh the benefits against potential risks.

October 28, 2021

‘Partial victory’: Imaging advocates say Humana relenting on some PET/CT payment restrictions

The health insurer reversed its coverage denial for imaging of gastric and esophageal oncologic indications, while other restrictions remain in place.

April 27, 2021

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.

April 26, 2021

Nuclear medicine, cardio groups reject proposed myocardial PET cuts

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.

September 6, 2019

Industry groups oppose proposed myocardial PET cuts

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.

September 5, 2019

At ASTRO, Siemens Healthineers unveil RT Pro Edition for Biograph Vision for PET/CT radiation therapy planning

RT package of latest PET/CT scanner offers comprehensive therapy planning solution.

October 22, 2018

SNMMI, ASNC encourage BCBS to expand coverage of cardiac PET

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) submitted a letter to BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) of Tennessee urging an expansion of cardiac PET coverage.

September 17, 2018

PET/CT

Repurposed radiotracer lights up treatment-resistant tumors 'like a Christmas tree'

Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over

Researchers receive grant worth millions to develop portable PET scanner

Understanding hospital billing for cardiac PET/CT

Lizard saliva could be key to spotting elusive pancreatic tumors