“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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

After reviewing the available literature, the societies said that rest-stress myocardial perfusion PET was a first-line preferred test for patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease who meet the criteria for stress imaging and are unable to complete the diagnostic level exercise stress imaging study.