Researchers have found that using PET brain imaging with florbetapir and FDG can differentiate cardiovascular disease from symptoms of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease. The combination can also detect amyloid plaques in patients with cardiovascular disease. {read more here}

A preliminary imaging study with Zn-63 zinc citrate confirmed a protocol for preparation and showed encouraging preclinical biodistribution. This technique holds promise for a wide variety of diseases involving zinc disorder, including a range of cancers and metabolic disorders, according to a study published July 21 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine .  {read more here}

The current physician piecemeal reimbursement model ultimately drives up the costs of healthcare according to Sandeep Jauhar, MD. In a New York Times editorial he explains that while overutilization is certainly a factor, cutting payments to physicians is a self-defeating strategy, forcing them to increase the number of patients they see, which reduces the amount of time spent with each one. Busy doctors call on others to help with the patient load, often times specialists who may order more tests, driving up costs. “There is no more wasteful entity in medicine than a rushed doctor,” says Jauhar.  {read more here}

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services provided a reiteration of the agency’s national coverage decision regarding oncologic FDG PET this summer and clarified specifically the –KX modifier that needs to be used when clinicians code for the fourth scan and beyond. {read more here}