The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) has published appropriate use criteria (AUC) for FDG-PET/CT in restaging and treatment response for malignant disease.
It is the fourth in a series of new AUC developed by the SNMMI in its role as a qualified provider-led entity (PLE) under criteria established by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The organization previously released AUC guidelines for bone scintigraphy in prostate and breast cancer, ventilation/perfusion imaging for pulmonary embolism, and hepatobiliary scintigraphy for abdominal pain.
The new AUC are designed to help referring physicians and ordering professionals meet the requirements of the 2014 Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA). Current PAMA regulations require referring physicians to consult AUC developed by a PLE beginning January 1, 2018, to ensure cost-effective and appropriate utilization of advanced diagnostic imaging services.
CMS has proposed pushing back the start date for when providers will be required to consult AUC to January 2019.
