PET Scans for Imaging of the Perfusion of the Heart Using Rubidium 82
For dates of service on or after March 14, 1995, Medicare covers one PET scan for imaging of the perfusion of the heart using Rubidium 82 (Rb 82), provided that the following conditions are met:
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The PET is done at a PET imaging center with a PET scanner that has been approved by the FDA;
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The PET scan is a rest alone or rest with pharmacologic stress PET scan, used for noninvasive imaging of the perfusion of the heart for the diagnosis and management of patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease, using Rb 82; and
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Either the PET scan is used in place of, but not in addition to, a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or the PET scan is used following a SPECT that was found inconclusive.
Expanded Coverage of PET Scan for Solitary Pulmonary Nodules
For dates of service on or after January 1, 1998, Medicare expanded PET scan coverage to include characterization of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs).
