It can be challenging to find the correct answers to complicated PET/CT reimbursement and coding questions. The resources provided here can assist you in answering your questions regarding PET/CT coverage, coding, and payment.
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PETNET Solutions PET/CT Reimbursement resources
Answers to your PET/CT reimbursement questions
More on Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
Providers rely on CMS, private insurers, and private pay to reimburse the costs associated with providing patients with advanced imaging like PET/CT.3
More on Private Payers
Most private payers reimburse for clinically indicated (PET) and PET/ CT procedures. The procedure must potentially provide information supportive of a diagnosis or evaluate clinically indicated conditions. Generally, most private insurance companies cover the same indications as Medicare. Private insurers require a prior-authorization to obtain a PET scan.
RBM Map
Radiology Benefit Managers (RBM’s) are often contracted by insurance companies to determine the appropriateness of ordering certain medical exams and procedures based on the patient’s clinical indications. The use of an RBM is often done online through a process called a pre-authorization (PA).
PETNET Solutions offers a RBM map with valuable information about national private payer's radiology benefit managers.
Future Initiatives
Rules and regulations for PET imaging reimbursement is constantly evolving and requires staying current with changes that impact your patient and imaging facility. Currently, The Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics (FIND) Act of 2021 was introduced into Congress on July 16, 2021. This bill addresses the limitations of Medicare’s current reimbursement structure impacting patient access to advanced imaging. If this bill is approved, it would establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services.4
Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) is one of the leading advocacy groups for medical imaging equipment, radiopharmaceutical manufacturers, innovators and product developers. MITA provides more information on the FIND Act and how it could impact the PET imaging industry.
To further your knowledge and to remain up to date with current and future legislative efforts, clinical guidelines, practice resources, and other topics related to the PET industry, please visit SNMMI.
Important Safety Information
Ammonia N13
Indications & usage
Ammonia N 13 Injection (13NH3) is a radioactive diagnostic agent for positron emission tomography (PET) indicated for diagnostic PET imaging of the myocardium under rest or pharmacologic stress conditions to evaluate myocardial perfusion in patients with suspected or existing coronary artery disease.
Important safety information
- Cancer Risk: Ammonia N 13 Injection may increase the risk of cancer. Use the smallest dose necessary for imaging and ensure safe handling to protect the patient and the health care worker.
- Adverse Reactions: No adverse reactions have been reported for Ammonia N 13 Injection based on a review of the published literature, publicly available reference sources, and adverse drug reaction reporting systems. The completeness of the sources is not known.
Dosage forms and strengths
Glass vial (30 mL) containing 0.138-1.387 GBq (3.75-37.5 mCi/mL) of Ammonia N 13 Injection in aqueous 0.9 % sodium chloride solution (the total volume in the vial will vary) for intravenous administration.
Ammonia N 13 Injection is manufactured and distributed by:
PETNET Solutions, Inc.
810 Innovation Drive
Knoxville, TN 39732
These highlights do not include all the information needed to use Ammonia N 13 Injection safely and effectively.
Download full prescribing info
AXUMIN®
Indications & usage
Axumin® (fluciclovine F 18) injection is indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in men with suspected prostate cancer recurrence based on elevated blood prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels following prior treatment.
Important safety information
Image interpretation errors can occur with Axumin PET imaging. A negative image does not rule out recurrent prostate cancer and a positive image does not confirm its presence. The performance of Axumin seems to be affected by PSA levels. Axumin uptake may occur with other cancers and benign prostatic hypertrophy in primary prostate cancer. Clinical correlation, which may include histopathological evaluation, is recommended.
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur in patients who receive Axumin. Emergency resuscitation equipment and personnel should be immediately available.
Axumin use contributes to a patient's overall long-term cumulative radiation exposure, which is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Safe handling practices should be used to minimize radiation exposure to the patient and health care providers.
Adverse reactions were reported in ≤1% of subjects during clinical studies with Axumin. The most common adverse reactions were injection site pain, injection site erythema and dysgeusia.
To report suspected adverse reactions to Axumin, call 1-855-AXUMIN1 (1-855-298-6461) or contact FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
Dosage forms and strengths
Injection: supplied as a clear, colorless solution in a 30 mL multiple-dose vial containing 335 MBq/mL to 8200 MBq/mL (9 mCi/mL to 221 mCi/mL) fluciclovine F 18 at calibration time and date.
Download full prescribing info
Sodium Fluoride F 18
Indications & usage
Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection (18F NaF) is a radioactive diagnostic agent for positron emission tomography (PET) indicated for imaging bone to define areas of altered osteogenic activity.
Important safety information
- Allergic Reactions: As with any injectable drug, allergic reactions and anaphylaxis may occur. Emergency resuscitation equipment and personnel should be immediately available.
- Cancer Risk: Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection may increase the risk of cancer. Use the smallest dose necessary for imaging and ensure safe handling to protect the patient and health care worker.
- Adverse Reactions: No adverse reactions have been reported based on a review of the published literature, publicly available reference sources, and adverse drug reaction reporting systems. The completeness of the sources is not known.
Dosage forms and strengths
Multiple-dose vial containing 370–7,400 MBq/mL (10–200 mCi/mL) of no-carrier-added sodium fluoride F 18 at EOS reference time in aqueous 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection is a clear, colorless, sterile, pyrogen-free and preservative-free solution for intravenous administration.
Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection is manufactured and distributed by:
PETNET Solutions, Inc.
810 Innovation Drive
Knoxville, TN 39732
These highlights do not include all the information needed to use Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection safely and effectively.
Download full prescribing info
AMYVID®
Important Safety Information
Risk for image misinterpretation and other errors
- Errors may occur in the Amyvid estimation of brain neuritic plaque density during image interpretation
- Image interpretation should be performed independently of the patient’s clinical information. The use of clinical information in the interpretation of Amyvid images has not been evaluated and may lead to errors. Other errors may be due to extensive brain atrophy that limits the ability to distinguish gray and white matter on the Amyvid scan as well as motion artifacts that distort the image
- Amyvid scan results are indicative of the brain neuritic amyloid plaque content only at the time of image acquisition and a negative scan result does not preclude the development of brain amyloid in the future
Radiation Risk
- Amyvid, similar to other radiopharmaceuticals, contributes to a patient’s overall long-term cumulative radiation exposure. Long-term cumulative radiation exposure is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Ensure safe handling to protect patients and health care workers from unintentional radiation exposure
The most common adverse reactions reported in clinical trials were headache (1.8%), musculoskeletal pain (0.7%), blood pressure increased (0.7%), nausea (0.7%), fatigue (0.5%), and injection site reaction (0.5%)
AM HCP ISI 14SEP2022
Please see full prescribing information for AMYVID® (Florbetapir F 18 Injection)
Indication
Amyvid is a radioactive diagnostic agent for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging of the brain to estimate beta-amyloid neuritic plaque density in adult patients with cognitive impairment who are being evaluated for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and other causes of cognitive decline.
A negative Amyvid scan indicates sparse to no neuritic plaques and is inconsistent with a neuropathological diagnosis of AD at the time of image acquisition; a negative scan result reduces the likelihood that a patient’s cognitive impairment is due to AD. A positive Amyvid scan indicates moderate to frequent amyloid neuritic plaques; neuropathological examination has shown this amount of amyloid neuritic plaque is present in patients with AD, but may also be present in patients with other types of neurologic conditions as well as older people with normal cognition. Amyvid is an adjunct to other diagnostic evaluations.
Amyvid for intravenous use is supplied in multidose vials containing 500-1900 MBq/mL Florbetapir F 18.
Limitations of Use:
- A positive Amyvid scan does not establish a diagnosis of AD or other cognitive disorder
- Safety and effectiveness of Amyvid have not been established for:
- Predicting development of dementia or other neurologic condition
- Monitoring responses to therapies
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Eli Lilly and Company at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or FDA at 1-800- FDA-1088 or
AMYVID® (Florbetapir F 18 Injection) is manufactured and distributed by:
PETNET Solutions, Inc.
810 Innovation Drive
Knoxville, TN 39732
These highlights do not include all the information needed to use AMYVID® (Florbetapir F 18 Injection) safely and effectively.
AMYVID® is a registered trademark owned or licensed by Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.
TAUVIDTM
Important Safety Information
Risk of Misdiagnosis in Patients Evaluated for Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
TAUVID does not target β-amyloid, one of two required components of the neuropathological diagnosis of AD. TAUVID performance for detecting tau pathology was assessed in terminally ill patients, the majority of whom had AD dementia with B3 level neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) pathology. TAUVID performance for detecting tau pathology may be lower in patients in earlier stages of the pathological spectrum.
Negative TAUVID Scan
NFTs may be present at levels that qualify for the neuropathological diagnosis of AD (B2 tau pathology in the presence of at least moderate levels of cortical amyloid pathology) in patients with a negative TAUVID scan. Consider additional evaluation to confirm the absence of AD pathology in patients with a negative TAUVID scan.
False Positive TAUVID Scan
Small foci of noncontiguous tracer uptake may lead to a false positive TAUVID scan. Only uptake of tracer in the neocortex should contribute to the interpretation of a positive TAUVID scan.
Risk of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Misdiagnosis
The safety and effectiveness of TAUVID have not been established for patients being evaluated for CTE. Preliminary non-clinical and clinical investigations suggest differences in tau conformation and distribution may limit flortaucipir F 18 binding. Therefore, TAUVID is not indicated for detection of CTE.
Radiation Risk
Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including TAUVID, expose patients to radiation. Radiation exposure is associated with a dose-dependent increased risk of cancer. Ensure safe handling and preparation procedures to protect patients and health care workers from unintentional radiation exposure.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions reported in clinical trials were headache (1.4%), injection site pain (1.2%), and increased blood pressure (0.8%).
USE IN SPECIAL POPULATIONS
Pregnancy
All radiopharmaceuticals, including TAUVID, have the potential to cause fetal harm depending on the fetal stage of development and the magnitude of radiation dose. Advise a pregnant woman of the potential risks of fetal exposure to radiation doses with administration of TAUVID.
Lactation
Advise a lactating woman to avoid breastfeeding for 4 hours after TAUVID administration in order to minimize radiation exposure to a breastfed infant.
FT HCP ISI 9OCT2024
Please see full prescribing information for TAUVID™ (flortaucipir F 18 injection)
Indication
TAUVID is indicated for use with positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of the brain to estimate the density and distribution of aggregated tau neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in adult patients with cognitive impairment who are being evaluated for Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Limitations of Use
TAUVID is not indicated for use in the evaluation of patients for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
- TAUVID for intravenous (IV) use is supplied in multidose vial containing 300-3700 Mbq/mL flortaucipir F 18
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Eli Lilly and Company at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or FDA at 1-800- FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
TAUVID™ (flortaucipir F 18 injection) is manufactured and distributed by:
PETNET Solutions, Inc.
810 Innovation Drive
Knoxville, TN 39732
These highlights do not include all the information needed to use TAUVID™ (flortaucipir F 18 injection) safely and effectively.
TAUVID™ is a registered trademark owned or licensed by Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.
Fludeoxyglucose F 18
Indications & usage
Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection (18F FDG) is indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in the following settings:
- Oncology: For assessment of abnormal glucose metabolism to assist in the evaluation of malignancy in patients with known or suspected abnormalities found by other testing modalities, or in patients with an existing diagnosis of cancer.
- Cardiology: For the identification of left ventricular myocardium with residual glucose metabolism and reversible loss of systolic function in patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction, when used together with myocardial perfusion imaging.
- Neurology: For the identification of regions of abnormal glucose metabolism associated with foci of epileptic seizures.
Important safety information
- Radiation Risk: Radiation-emitting products, including Fludeoxyglucose F18 Injection, may increase the risk for cancer, especially in pediatric patients. Use the smallest dose necessary for imaging and ensure safe handling to protect the patient and health care worker.
- Blood Glucose Abnormalities: In the oncology and neurology setting, suboptimal imaging may occur in patients with inadequately regulated blood glucose levels. In these patients, consider medical therapy and laboratory testing to ensure at least two days of normoglycemia prior to Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection administration.
- Adverse Reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions with pruritus, edema, and rash have been reported. Have emergency resuscitation equipment and personnel immediately available.
Dosage forms and strengths
Multiple-dose 30 mL and 50 mL glass vial containing 0.74 to 7.40 GBq/mL (20 to 200 mCi/mL) Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection and 4.5 mg of sodium chloride with 0.1 to 0.5% w/w ethanol as a stabilizer (approximately 15 to 50 mL volume) for intravenous administration.
Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection is manufactured and distributed by:
PETNET Solutions, Inc.
810 Innovation Drive
Knoxville, TN 39732
These highlights do not include all the information needed to use Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection safely and effectively.
Download full prescribing info
CERIANNATM
Indications & usage
CERIANNA is indicated for use with positron emission tomography (PET) imaging for the detection of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive lesions as an adjunct to biopsy in patients with recurrent or metastatic breast cancer.
Limitations of use
Tissue biopsy should be used to confirm recurrence of breast cancer and to verify ER status by pathology. CERIANNA is not useful for imaging other receptors, such as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and the progesterone receptor (PR).
Important safety information
Contraindications
None
Warnings and precautions
Risk of misdiagnosis
Inadequate tumor characterization and other ER-positive pathology: Breast cancer may be heterogeneous within patients and across time. CERIANNA images ER and is not useful for imaging other receptors such as HER2 and PR. The uptake of fluoroestradiol F 18 is not specific for breast cancer and may occur in a variety of ER-positive tumors that arise outside of the breast, including from the uterus and ovaries. Do not use CERIANNA in lieu of biopsy when biopsy is indicated in patients with recurrent or metastatic breast cancer.
- False negative CERIANNA scan: A negative CERIANNA scan does not rule out ER-positive breast cancer. Pathology or clinical characteristics that suggest a patient may benefit from systemic hormone therapy should take precedence over a discordant negative CERIANNA scan.
Radiation risks
Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including CERIANNA, expose patients to radiation. Radiation exposure is associated with dose-dependent increased risk of cancer. Ensure safe drug handling and patient preparation procedures (including adequate hydration and voiding) to protect patients and health care providers from unintentional radiation exposure.
Pregnancy status
Assessment of pregnancy status is recommended in females of reproductive potential before administering CERIANNA.
Adverse reactions
In clinical trials (n=1207) the most common adverse reactions seen occurred at a rate < 1%: were injection-site pain and dysgeusia.
Use in specific populations
Pregnancy risk summary
All radiopharmaceuticals, including CERIANNA, have the potential to cause fetal harm depending on the fetal stage of development and the magnitude of radiation dose. Advise a pregnant woman of the potential risks of fetal exposure to radiation from administration of CERIANNA.
There are no available data on CERIANNA use in pregnant women. No animal reproduction studies using fluoroestradiol F 18 have been conducted to evaluate its effect on female reproduction and embryo-fetal development.
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defects, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.
Lactation risk summary
There are no data on the presence of fluoroestradiol F 18 in human milk, or its effects on the breastfed infant or milk production. Lactation studies have not been conducted in animals. Advise a lactating woman to avoid breastfeeding for 4 hours after CERIANNA administration in order to minimize radiation exposure to a breastfed infant.
Pediatric use
The safety and effectiveness of CERIANNA in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric use
Clinical studies of fluoroestradiol F 18 injection did not reveal any difference in pharmacokinetics or biodistribution in patients aged 65 and over.
Drug interactions
Systemic endocrine therapies that target estrogen receptors
Certain classes of systemic endocrine therapies, including ER modulators and ER down-regulators, block ER, reduce the uptake of fluoroestradiol F 18, and may reduce detection of ER-positive lesions after administration of CERIANNA. Drugs from these classes such as tamoxifen and fulvestrant may block ER for up to 8 and 28 weeks, respectively. Do not delay indicated therapy in order to administer CERIANNA. Administer CERIANNA prior to starting systemic endocrine therapies that block ER.
Adverse Reactions
In clinical trials evaluating the safety of CERIANNA in patients with breast cancer (n=1207), the following adverse reactions occurred at a rate <1%: injection-site pain and dysgeusia.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact GE HealthCare at 800 654 0118 (option 2 then option 1) or by email at GPV.drugsafety@gehealthcare.com or FDA at 800 FDA 1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Dosage forms and strengths
Injection: clear, colorless solution in a multiple-dose vial containing 148 MBq/mL to 3,700 MBq/mL (4 mCi/mL to 100 mCi/mL) of Cerianna at end of synthesis.
Patient preparation
- Drink water to ensure adequate hydration prior to administration of 18F FES
- Continue drinking and voiding frequently during the first hours following administration to reduce radiation exposure
Dosage and administration
- Activity recommended is 222 MBq (6 mCi), with a range of 111 MBq to 222 MBq (3 mCi to 6 mCi)
- Administration : single IV injection of 10 mL or less over 1 to 2 minutes
- Use aseptic technique and radiation shielding when withdrawing and administering FES.
- Visually inspect the radiopharmaceutical solution
- FES may be diluted with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP
- Assay the dose in a suitable dose calibrator prior to administration
Post administration
- Follow FES injection with an IV flush of 0.9% Sodium Chloride injection, USP
Download full prescribing info
POSULMA®
Indications & usage
POSLUMA® (flotufolastat F 18) injection is indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positive lesions in men with prostate cancer
• with suspected metastasis who are candidates for initial definitive therapy.
• with suspected recurrence based on elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level.
Important safety information
• Image interpretation errors can occur with POSLUMA PET. A negative image does not rule out the presence of prostate cancer and a positive image does not confirm the presence of prostate cancer. The performance of POSLUMA for imaging metastatic pelvic lymph nodes in patients prior to initial definitive therapy seems to be affected by serum PSA levels and risk grouping . The performance of POSLUMA for imaging patients with biochemical evidence of recurrence of prostate cancer seems to be affected by serum PSA levels. Flotufolastat F 18 uptake is not specific for prostate cancer and may occur in other types of cancer, in non-malignant processes, and in normal tissues. Clinical correlation, which may include histopathological evaluation, is recommended.
• Risk of Image Misinterpretation in Patients with Suspected Prostate Cancer Recurrence: The interpretation of POSLUMA PET may differ depending on imaging readers, particularly in the prostate/prostate bed region. Because of the associated risk of false positive interpretation, consider multidisciplinary consultation and histopathological confirmation when clinical decision-making hinges on flotufolastat F 18 uptake only in the prostate/prostate bed region or only on uptake interpreted as borderline.
• POSLUMA use contributes to a patient’s overall long-term cumulative radiation exposure. Long-term cumulative radiation exposure is associated with an increased risk for cancer. Advise patients to hydrate before and after administration and to void frequently after administration. Ensure safe handling to minimize radiation exposure to the patient and health care providers
• The adverse reactions reported in ≥0.4% of patients in clinical studies were diarrhea, blood pressure increase and injection site pain.
• Drug interactions: androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and other therapies targeting the androgen pathway, such as androgen receptor antagonists, may result in changes in uptake of flotufolastat F 18 in prostate cancer. The effect of these therapies on performance of POSLUMA PET has not been established.
To report suspected adverse reactions to POSLUMA, call 1-844-POSLUMA (1-844-767-5862) or contact FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Dosage forms and strengths
Injection: 296 MBq/mL to 5,846 MBq/mL (8 mCi/mL to 158 mCi/mL) as flotufolastat F 18 gallium in approximately 25 mL at end of synthesis supplied as a clear, colorless solution in a multiple-dose vial.
Download full prescribing info
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The reimbursement information provided by PETNET Solutions, Inc., a Siemens Healthineers company, including text, graphics, and images, contained on or available through this website, is for general informational purposes; it does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or medical advice or substitute for legal or medical advice. PETNET makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information contained on, or available through, this website. The information within this website may not reflect the most current developments. It is highly recommended to consult with local payers or legal and reimbursement advisors to confirm compliance and reimbursement policies. PETNET disclaims any responsibility for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information.
CMS. “Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scans.” CMS.gov Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncd.aspx?ncdid=211.
SNMMI. “CMS Publishes MPFS and OPPS Final Rules Expanding Coverage for Non-Oncologic Pet.” SNMMI, https://www.snmmi.org/NewsPublications/NewsDetail.aspx?ItemNumber=39002.
Themes, UFO. “Reimbursement for Pet Procedures.” Radiology Key, 9 Sept. 2016, https://radiologykey.com/reimbursement-for-pet-procedures/.
“Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2021 (H.R. 4479).” GovTrack.us, https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/117/hr4479.