Cardiac PET Perfusion Imaging

Advantages of Cardiac PET Perfusion Imaging vs. Traditional Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
PET has better spatial resolution than SPECT Theoretical tomographic in-plane spatial resolution of PET is 2 to 4 mm, as compared with 6 to 8 mm for TC-99m SPECT.
  • Improved efficiency1
    (complete study takes approximately 35 min vs. 3.5hrs)
  • Improved resolution1
    (imaging with 511 kev vs. 140 kev)
  • Fewer attenuation artifacts1
  • Greater Sensitivity & Specificity
    (fewer false positives and false negative results)
  • Increased detection of patients with triple vessel disease
  • Shorter Half Life of isotope (75 seconds vs. 6 hrs)
  • Lower radiation exposure1
    (0.26 rem vs. 1.44 rem per Oak Ridge Institute for Science & Education)
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  • Stress method (pharmacologic vs. treadmill)
  • Radiopharmaceutical availability
    (generator comes with coach vs. delivery of unit doses)
  • Now reimbursed for similar ICD-9 codes as general MPI studies with approximately double the reimbursement (reimbursement varies depending on region: CPT codes used 78492, A9555 (x2/patient), 78499 or (78478 & 78480), 93015)
    • 1. Bateman TM. PET Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: Making the Transition to a Clinical Routine. Appl Imaging: Applications Nucl Cardiol. 2002; 3(1):1-6
    Advantages of Cardiac PET Perfusion Imaging vs. Traditional Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
    The graph represents estimated reimbursement figures, and is to be treated as estimates and are intended for demonstration purposes only. Estimated figures are based upon many variables and assumptions that are beyond the knowledge or control of Nuclear Imaging Services. Accordingly NIS does not represent, warrant, or otherwise guaranty that any person or entity utilizing this worksheet will actually attain these estimated figures. Nothing contained herein is or should be relied on as a promise as to future performance with Cardiac PET. Please consult your financial advisor, fiscal Intermediary, and/or insurance carriers for more information.


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