Positron Emission Tomography (FDG) for Brain, Cervical, Ovarian, Pancreatic, Small Cell Lung, and Testicular Cancers

This national coverage determination (NCD) was issued on January 28, 2004.  The NCD contains a 4-part framework of diagnosis, staging, restaging and monitoring response to treatment for specific cancers.  For all FDG PET indications for which CMS has a noncoverage determination, the NCD determined that the study is reasonable and necessary when the provider is participating in and patients are enrolled in a clinical research study designed to collect information at the time of service to assist in patient management.

The clinical research study must insure that:

• Specific hypotheses are identified prospectively;
• Hospitals and providers are qualified to provide the FDG PET scan and interpret the results;
• Participating hospitals and providers report specific data elements on enrolled patients

Decision Memorandum: http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/nca-decision-memo.aspx?NCAId=92

On its website, CMS will maintain a list of all approved studies and facility locations.  There are approximately 2200 facilities participating in the clinical research study.  A list of facility locations can be found here: http://www.cms.gov/MedicareApprovedFacilitie/NOPR/list.asp#TopOfPage\

Study Title:  The National Oncologic PET Registry (NOPR)

Clinical Trials.gov identifier: NCT00868582 (Recruiting)

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00868582?term=PET+Academy+of+Molecular+Imaging&rank=2

See Positron Emission Tomography (FDG) for Solid Tumors  (CAG-00181R)