CMS Proposes Change in PET Coverage

The use of NaF-18 (sodium fluoride-18) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to identify bone metastasis of cancer to guide initial and subsequent anti-tumor treatment would be covered by Medicare under a proposed decision memo released this week by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It also would be covered in qualifying clinical studies. Currently, Medicare doesn’t cover any use of NaF-18 PET. CMS is accepting comments on the proposal.