Mass. Approves PET/CT Scanning Machines But Some Insurers Won’t Pay
PET/CT scanners combine positron emission tomography (PET) with computed tomography (CT) to map cell metabolic activity on the patient’s anatomy. PET exams detect how cells consume sugar which proves useful to diagnose cancer or diseased heart tissue. In the first case, metabolization is faster while in the later, it is slower or doesn’t occur at all. By merging that information with localisation within the body, PET/CT allows more precise diagnoses. But these devices cost up to $4 million and cost estimates for a single scan go as high as $1,700.
The Boston Globe reports that the Massachusetts Public Health Council just approved (pdf) three new PET/CT scanning machines, but Blue Cross Blue Shield - the largest health insurer in the state - does not cover these scans for breast cancer (unlike Medicare). Dr. Kevin V. Loughlin, chief of radiology at Caritas Norwood Hospital where one of the new scanners will be deployed, explained PET/CT scans provide a fast way to assess how a chemotherapy is working as well as helpful information to ajust it if necessary. Peter Goldbach, medical director in Blue Cross Blue Shield’s division of medical innovation and leadership, said the company looks at scientific evidence to evaluate how to use new medical technology and whether to cover it. In the case of PET/CT scanning, demand from physicians and patients is rising.
April 19, 2006 Related topics: New Technology & Innovation, Imaging, Hematology & Oncology