Specialists, PET centers now able to register for IDEAS study
The Imaging Dementia – Evidence for Amyloid Scanning (IDEAS) study is now accepting registrations from dementia specialists and PET imaging centers looking to participate in the research.
IDEAS is designed to determine the clinical usefulness of a brain PET scan to detect amyloid plaque accumulation in those with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. The study will follow nearly 19,000 Medicare beneficiaries for up to four years.
Amyloid imaging has been increasingly touted for its ability to potentially overcome current challenges in the diagnosis of patients with dementia, but reimbursement has been lacking. Citing lack of evidence, CMS only provides reimbursement for scans under the Coverage with Evidence Development policy, which requires study participation.
Participating facilities would be reimbursed through this policy for the cost of the scans, and the results of the IDEAS study could eventually pave the way for wider reimbursement of amyloid PET imaging.
The total budget for the study is estimated at $100 million over four years.
IDEAS is currently seeking board-certified neurologists, psychiatrists and geriatric medicine physicians to become referrers for the study, as well as PET facilities willing to serve as imaging sites. Enrollment for individual patients is expected to begin in early 2016.
Interested providers can apply for participation at Ideas-Study.org.
IDEAS is led by the Alzheimer’s Association and managed by the American College of Radiology and American College of Radiology Imaging Network.
Evan joined TriMed in 2011, writing primarily for Health Imaging. Prior to diving into medical journalism, Evan worked for the Nine Network of Public Media in St. Louis. He also has worked in public relations and education. Evan studied journalism at the University of Missouri, with an emphasis on broadcast media.