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.

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.
FDA approves GE HealthCare's flurpiridaz F-18 PET radiotracer for CAD
The newly approved radiotracer is seen as a major step forward for nuclear imaging technology. Specialists have been looking forward to its arrival on the market for quite some time.
Novel radiotracer could improve the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease
Researchers are hopeful that uptake of the molecular SPECT imaging agent will help providers more ably monitor disease progression.
New PET technique slashes scan times, improves image quality in neuroblastoma cases
The method also reduces radiation doses and eliminates the need for sedation or general anesthesia.

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 technique visualizes amyloid deposits in heart

PET with 11C-PIB provides a noninvasive method for visualizing amyloid deposits in the heart, according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of Nuclear Medicine. The researchers suggest that 11C-PIB eventually may be used in the clinical setting as both a diagnostic tool and a treatment follow-up method.

February 10, 2013

PET/CT

Understanding hospital billing for cardiac PET/CT

Lizard saliva could be key to spotting elusive pancreatic tumors

FDA approves GE HealthCare's flurpiridaz F-18 PET radiotracer for CAD

Novel radiotracer could improve the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease

New PET technique slashes scan times, improves image quality in neuroblastoma cases