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.

Experts update AUC for amyloid, tau PET imaging for first time in more than a decade
The new appropriate use criteria define 17 specific clinical scenarios, guiding providers on situations when amyloid or tau imaging are and are not appropriate.
Policy reforms in Washington that will impact nuclear imaging
SNMMI President Cathy Cutler, PhD, explains some of the key policy initiatives the society is pursuing to help support the field of nuclear medicine.
U.S. moves closer to establishing domestic supply of Mo-99 for nuclear imaging
Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging President, Cathy Cutler, explains the long road to jump-starting a new U.S. domestic supply of imaging isotopes.
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.
Siemens Healthineers finalizes $223M purchase of Novartis’ imaging unit
The Erlangen, Germany-based manufacturer believes the addition will complement its network of 47 PET radiopharmacies concentrated in the U.S., adding over a dozen new sites.

SNMMI, SNMMI-TS announce 2019 leadership academy graduates

The Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) announced the graduates of its fourth annual Future Leaders Academy at the group's Mid-Winter Meeting in Palm Springs, California.

January 22, 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, ACNM share comments on 2019 HOPPS proposed rule with CMS

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and American College of Nuclear Medicine (ACNM) have submitted a letter to CMS in response to the 2019 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS) proposed rule, sharing both recommendations and concerns with the agency.

October 3, 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

SNMMI supports changes in 2019 MPFS proposed rule

The Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) has crafted a letter to CMS in support of some of the specific points included in the 2019 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule.

September 11, 2018

ACR, SNMMI among groups that support CMS proposal to reduce E&M paperwork requirements

The American Medical Association, American College of Radiology (ACR), Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), Society of Interventional Radiology and dozens of other healthcare groups have signed a letter to CMS in support of the agency’s “Patients Over Paperwork” initiative and calling for a reduction in paperwork requirements for evaluation and management (E&M) services.

August 28, 2018

After pressure from SNMMI, Aetna expands coverage of gallium-68 dotatate PET

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) announced this week that Aetna has expanded its coverage of gallium-68 (Ga-68) dotatate PET.

August 17, 2018

SNMMI highlights gallium-68 shortage in letter to FDA

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) has written a letter to the FDA about ongoing shortages of generators that produce gallium-68 (Ga-68), a radioisotope used regularly in medical imaging.

August 15, 2018

Nuclear Medicine

Experts update AUC for amyloid, tau PET imaging for first time in more than a decade

Policy reforms in Washington that will impact nuclear imaging

U.S. moves closer to establishing domestic supply of Mo-99 for nuclear imaging

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

Siemens Healthineers finalizes $223M purchase of Novartis’ imaging unit