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| ASNC SmartBrief |
| February 15, 2012 |
Group calls on CMS to reconsider policy on PET agents
The Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance is calling on CMS to rethink its coverage policy for PET agents and to remove language that blocks coverage for new PET tracers. "Though PET tracers have already demonstrated medical efficacy and promise, Medicare coverage is essential to improve patient access," the group said. MolecularImaging.net (2/14)
Imaging groups oppose Obama's 2013 budget proposal
Several imaging groups have expressed opposition to President Barack Obama's proposed budget for 2013, which includes imaging cuts. The administration's plan would raise the assumed use rate for advanced imaging devices and implement a prior-authorization program in Medicare for advanced diagnostic imaging. The cuts could limit services to patients and increase health care costs while affecting jobs, the groups said. MolecularImaging.net (2/15)
Cardiac CT cost-effective for ED evaluations
Emergency-department cardiac CT is cost-effective for evaluating patients suffering possible acute coronary syndrome, a University of Washington study found. Researchers examined the cases of 102 patients facing low to intermediate risk of ACS. CCT evaluation cost 24% less than standard care, which includes a stress SPECT scan and other tests, at one year, according to the findings. CardiovascularBusiness.com (2/9)
Patients' own heart cells used to treat cardiac scars
Researchers at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute in Los Angeles used stem cells from patients' own heart tissue to reverse the damage caused by a heart attack. Heart scars in patients who received stem cell infusions were reduced in size from 24% to 12% of the heart, according to the study published in The Lancet. The lead researcher said the study shows the heart can regrow healthy tissue, contrary to popular belief that cardiac scarring is permanent. Los Angeles Times (tiered subscription model)/Booster Shots blog (2/13)
Research builds case for new ischemic stroke device
The experimental Solitaire Flow Restoration device may be more effective in treating acute cerebral ischemia than the Merci system, according to results from a noninferiority study. The Solitaire, which has already received approval for use in Europe, is a self-expanding stent retriever designed to approach a clot at multiple points. If the Solitaire wins approval, "it'll be another tool for our interventionalists to be able to use," said Dr. Larry Goldstein, director of the Duke University Stroke Center. Medscape (free registration) (2/5) MedPage Today (free registration) (2/5)
Congress reaches tentative deal on reimbursement rate
Congressional negotiators say they have agreed on language to stave off a 27.4% reduction in the Medicare physician reimbursement rate and extend unemployment benefits and a payroll tax reduction. The cost of the Medicare deal will be offset by cuts to a prevention and public health fund set up under the health care law, lower payments to hospitals dealing with bad debt and other cuts to health care spending. The Wall Street Journal (2/15) The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (2/14)
Senator works to advance drug-shortage measure
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., plans to advance legislation to alleviate critical drug shortages by attaching it to a transportation bill the Senate is considering. "We acknowledge drug shortages may not have a lot to do with highways," Klobuchar said. "Maybe we have to try every bill, but we can't wait a year to get this done." Reuters (2/14)
CMS Hosts Free Medicare Training Program Webinar
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will host a free webinar for providers on Feb. 21, 2012, at 2:30 p.m. ET. The webinar will provide an overview of accountable care organizations, a description of the Million Hearts Initiative, and more. Register online. Blank (2/15)
ASNC's Nuclear Cardiology for the Technologist Course: Early Bird Registration Open
Join ASNC May 4–6, 2012, in Chicago for Nuclear Cardiology for the Technologist, a three-day course covering the fundamental aspects of nuclear cardiology and the latest advances in the field. Designed specifically for technologists, this course will address quality control principles, radiation reduction strategies, stress lab emergencies, and more. Go online for registration materials and program information. Blank (4/27)
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