The Medicare program has finalized plans to increase payment for certain diagnostic imaging agents in the hospital outpatient setting, allowing separate payment for radiopharmaceuticals starting January 1. This change, long requested by the imaging industry, will address challenges for patients needing advanced diagnostic care by ensuring better access to costly nuclear medicine scans. The Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging praised the decision, viewing it as a critical victory for patient care. The update will affect 26 different radiopharmaceuticals while those with costs below $630 will still be bundled with procedures. This policy change concludes a 16-year advocacy effort by SNMMI, eliminating the need for the FIND Act. Additionally, the CMS has raised the payment rate for cardiac CT (CCTA) from $175 to $357.13, a move celebrated by imaging specialists.
Tue, 05 Nov 2024 10:48:19 GMT | Radiology Business