National Coverage Analysis (NCA) Tracking Sheet

Positron Emission Tomography (FDG) for Infection and Inflammation

CAG-00382N

Issue

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a non-invasive imaging procedure used to assess metabolic activity and perfusion in various organs or tissues in the human body. Images are obtained by processing of emissions from positron-emitting radioisotopes that are usually administered intravenously. 2-[F18] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) is the radioisotope commonly used in PET imaging procedures.

The requestors have asked CMS to reconsider the current Medicare coverage for PET at Section 220.6 of the National Coverage Determination (NCD) Manual to provide coverage for PET used for the diagnosis of chronic osteomyelitis, infections associated with hip arthroplasty and fever of unknown origin, each in lieu of bone, leukocyte and/or gallium scintigraphy.

Benefit Category

Diagnostic Tests (other)

Requestor Information

Requestor Name Requestor Letter
Abass Alavi, MD, Professor of Radiology, Chief, Nuclear Medicine Section, University of Pennsylvania View Letter
N/A

Important Dates

Formal Request Accepted and Review Initiated
06/25/2007
Expected NCA Completion Date
03/19/2008
Public Comment Period
06/25/2007 - 07/25/2007
Proposed Decision Memo Due Date
Proposed Decision Memo Released
12/20/2007
Proposed Decision Memo Public Comment Period
12/20/2007 - 01/19/2008
Decision Memo Released
03/19/2008
Comments for this NCA
View Public Comments

Contacts

Lead Analysts
Stuart Caplan
Lead Medical Officers
Shamiram Feinglass, MD, MPH

Medicare Benefit Category Determination Date

Actions Taken

June 25, 2007

CMS opens this reconsideration of the NCD on Positron Emission Tomography (PET). The formal request is to remove the current de facto non-coverage for PET for the requested indications. The initial 30-day public comment period begins with this posting date, and ends after 30 calendar days. CMS considers all public comments, and is particularly interested in clinical studies and other scientific information relevant to the technology under review.

Instructions on submitting comments can be found at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/Medicare/Coverage/InfoExchange/publiccomments.html#TopOfPage.

December 20, 2007

CMS is posting a Proposed Decision Memorandum for a 30-day public comment period.

Insructions on submitting comments can be found at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/Medicare/Coverage/InfoExchange/publiccomments.html#TopOfPage

March 19, 2008

Final Decision Memorandum posted.