Positron Anticipates Cardiac PET Demand To Increase Due To Expanding Reimbursment Differential Between PET And SPECT Imaging

Main Category: MRI / PET / Ultrasound
Also Included In: Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Article Date: 28 Sep 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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Positron Corporation (OTCBB:POSC) a molecular imaging solutions company focused on Nuclear Cardiology, predicts a significant rise in demand for Cardiac PET in 2010 with a proposed cut in SPECT reimbursement of 46% and an increase in PET reimbursement of 22%, issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The nuclear medicine imaging community continues to face challenges with Cardiac SPECT due to Molybdenum shortages, cuts in reimbursement and an increase in operational costs. The proposed reduction in reimbursement by CMS for 2010, whose final decision is due out in early November, includes elimination and/or bundling of additional billing codes. The pressure on SPECT has caused physicians to revaluate their current technology offering and look to new sources of imaging income though PET.

CMS, has proposed an increase in the 2010 PET reimbursement by 22% ($1,429), while maintaining Rb82 reimbursement at $250 per dose. Additionally, there are new PET myocardial perfusion agents in clinical phase III trials and more than three other Cardiovascular PET specific radiopharmaceuticals in clinical phase I & II, which will drive demand for Positron's Attrius™ Cardiac PET system.

Joseph Oliverio, CTO of Positron stated, "Positron's Attrius™, which is optimized for Cardiac PET imaging, is the ideal solution for today's challenging healthcare environment. Positron's PET scanner, with its robust software package, is optimal for high quality PET imaging. The addition of Positron's Attrius™ will provide a more accurate diagnosis for patients, reduction of unnecessary downstream procedures and a very attractive economic profile for physicians. We anticipate a significant demand in 2010 and look forward to providing physicians with the industry's only cardiac optimized PET system."

Disclaimer: Positron Corporation cannot guarantee coverage or payment for products or procedures at any particular level. Such determinations are made based on individual patient conditions and can vary widely depending on the Insurer's policies. For more specific information please contact your Medicare Contractor or the patient's insurer.

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Positron