The Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) approves of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposal to remove the national non-coverage decision for positron emission tomography (PET) for FDA approved oncologic applications. If the decision is finalized, local Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) may determine coverage for new oncologic agents within their respective jurisdictions for PET.
“We are encouraged by this first step in removing restrictions for Medicare beneficiaries to access PET procedures,” said Gail Rodriguez, Executive Director of MITA. “A positive final decision will give cancer patients better access to cutting-edge tools physicians need to diagnose and manage cancer treatment. This coverage decision will ultimately enhance the power of diagnostics to assist physicians to make the correct treatment decision and conversely avoid needless treatments that waste health care resources. CMS’ proposal will improve patient care and lead to cost-savings by improving efficiency in cancer care. However, we are concerned that PET tracers for cardiology and neurology remain restricted, and encourage CMS to consider all of the disease areas in which PET is appropriately utilized.”
