CMS Makes Final Decision on PET Scan Coverage

In September, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced its final decision on a coverage policy that will limit patient access to beta-amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, a diagnostic tool for individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The policy will require Coverage with Evidence Development for dementia sufferers, meaning patients will need to undergo costly and lengthy clinical trials to get Medicare coverage for the scan.

In July, more than 1,200 Alzheimer’s supporters urged CMS to provide coverage for the PET beta-amyloid imaging scan, which has the capability to more accurately diagnose those being evaluated for dementia spectrum disorder, including Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to these benefits, the imaging technology can help researchers enhance design and enlistment of clinical trials for prospective dementia and Alzheimer’s therapies. George Vradenburg, chairman of USAgainstAlzheimer’s, said, “USAgainst Alzheimer’s will continue to collaborate with other leaders in the field to educate CMS and other payers about the importance of thorough and meaningful coverage for patients across the entire dementia spectrum.”