The past year has been a groundbreaking one for neurology. Not only have at least three new biomarkers been identified for Alzheimer’s disease, but various molecular imaging agents used to visualize neurodegenerative disorders are now either available or being conveyed toward regulatory approval for clinical use. Parkinson’s research, too, has progressed at an astonishing rate with the spoils being a new method of detection and a therapeutic technique that could potentially leave patients tremor-free for life. Several psychiatric disorders are being seen first-hand by targeting the dopaminergic system of the brain. Neuroendocrine tumor (NET) imaging also is pushing forward with a preliminary nod from the FDA in the form of an orphan drug application for NET management. {read more here}

There are two main questions that remain on the minds of those evaluating PET/MR for clinical practice: Is PET/CT just as good? If yes, isn’t PET/CT cheaper? These questions are answered with a resounding ‘sometimes,’ according to a review published Feb. 20 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine . {read more here}

Providers, payers and claims clearinghouses can look for no relief from the looming, Oct. 1 compliance deadline for the nationwide conversion to the ICD-10 family of diagnostic and procedural codes, the head of the CMS said Thursday. But some case-by-case exemptions will be made for providers having a tough time meeting their Stage 2 meaningful-use targets, she said. {read more here}

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has added new and updated FAQs about the EHR Incentive Programs to its website. Question topics include clinical quality measures (CQMs), meaningful use objectives, and reporting. {read more here}