PET/CT is probably the hottest modality going in medical imaging these days, but not everyone is enamored of the technology. A radiology group in the Buffalo/Niagara area of New York found this out first hand when a regional technology assessment committee -- comprising three of their largest payors -- told the practice it shouldn't install a new PET/CT system.
Dear AuntMinnie Member,
PET/CT is probably the hottest modality going in medical imaging these days, but not everyone is enamored of the technology. A radiology group in the Buffalo/Niagara area of New York found this out first hand when a regional technology assessment committee -- comprising three of their largest payors -- told the practice it shouldn't install a new PET/CT system.
So what did the group do? They soldiered on and leased the new scanner anyway, according to an article by staff writer Tracie L. Thompson that we're featuring in our Molecular Imaging Digital Community.
The regional committee wanted to see a PET/CT unit installed in the area, but preferred that local providers join forces to purchase a mobile unit that could serve neighboring hospitals. The group, however, believed that forming such a joint venture would have been unwieldy.
The situation is a microcosm of the dilemma facing many radiology groups today -- how to acquire new technology in an era of rising healthcare costs and increased scrutiny of new capital equipment acquisitions. Find out how the group is adapting by visiting our Molecular Imaging Digital Community, at molecular.auntminnie.com.
