Nuclear Cardiology

Single photon computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) molecular imaging are used as primary cardiac imaging modalities to evaluate the function of the heart. It uses radioactive isotopes attached to sugars that are metabolized by cardiomyocytes. This creates an image of the metabolic activity of the heart and shows areas of ischemia or infarct. Other radiotracers can image the heart to diagnosis cardiac amyloidosis and sarcoidosis.

ASNC president advocates for Medicare reimbursement reform
Lawrence Phillips, MD, president of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, said that U.S. physicians are growing more and more frustrated by Medicare policies.
Cardiologist to pay $6.5M after trading kickbacks for imaging referrals in complex fraud scheme
In addition to the hefty fine, the New York physician has agreed to relinquish ownership of his cardiology practice after exchanging kickbacks for PET and SPECT referrals for more than a decade.
What is the ROI for adopting AI in cardiac imaging?
Marcelo DiCarli, MD, and Rob Beanlands, MD, discussed the long-term value of investing in the development and implementation of AI technologies.
What is the ROI for upgrading nuclear cardiology labs?
Some nuclear cardiology labs are still using SPECT systems that are 20-25 years old. Is it time to make an upgrade?
Trends in the number of radiology studies and a decline in radiation dose
A special report in Radiology offers a rare overview of the number of radiology exams performed each year worldwide and focuses on the decline of associated radiation doses patients receive.

The ASNC is one of several medical imaging societies asking Congress to repeal the appropriate use criteria (AUC) criteria mandate. They say it poses issues for clinicians and is becoming outdated by changes in CMS payment systems. The AUC requirements call for documentation using CVMS authorized software in order to show advanced imaging such as nuclear and CT is justified, or else Medicare payments might be withheld.

American Society of Nuclear Cardiology urges Congress to speed prior authorizations, repeal AUC mandate

Over the past few weeks, members of ASNC’s Health Policy Committee have held meetings with their members of Congress.

April 18, 2022

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Nuclear Cardiology

ASNC president advocates for Medicare reimbursement reform

Cardiologist to pay $6.5M after trading kickbacks for imaging referrals in complex fraud scheme

What is the ROI for adopting AI in cardiac imaging?

What is the ROI for upgrading nuclear cardiology labs?

Trends in the number of radiology studies and a decline in radiation dose

Around the web