The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) recently submitted comment to BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) of Tennessee supporting its proposed expansion of cardiac PET coverage.
Currently, BCBS of Tennessee labels PET to determine absolute quantification of myocardial blood blow as “investigational,” according to the letter. However, authors of the Sept. 1 ASNC/SNMMI statement argue “the ability to routinely quantify myocardial blood flow in ml/min/gram is unique to PET, improves accuracy, risk stratification and patient selection for interventions.”
According to the letter, the non-coverage also goes against a joint position paper from the organizations which determined measuring flow absolutely, as opposed to comparatively, boosts the chances of defining patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD).
SNMMI and ASNC also proposed changes to coverage for patients with “significant left ventricular dysfunction under consideration for revascularization” or “suspected cardiac sarcoid,” according to the letter.
Read the entire letter here.
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.