Washington, D.C. – The Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) – the leading trade association representing manufacturers of medical imaging equipment, radiopharmaceuticals, contrast media, and focused ultrasound therapeutic devices – applauds the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for its decision to remove its national coverage determination (NCD), and end coverage with evidence development (CED) for positron emission tomography (PET) beta-amyloid imaging. Medicare coverage determinations for PET beta-amyloid imaging will now be made by the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) and Medicare Advantage (MA) plans.
“Numerous published studies involving thousands of patients clearly support that beta-amyloid PET scans improve the clinical management of patients with cognitive impairment, so it is a welcome decision to retire CED and expand access to beta-amyloid PET imaging,” said Patrick Hope, Executive Director of MITA. “This technology is a critically important, non-invasive way to assist doctors in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease and allows for better informed treatment decisions. MITA looks forward to working with CMS on efforts to educate Medicare contractors for transparency, clarity, and seamless coverage for all Medicare beneficiaries.”
Amyloid PET scans are a critical tool that enables clinicians to identify and confirm the presence of amyloid plaques and ensure appropriate treatment. While there is concern among providers and patient stakeholders that the decision may lead to uncertainty on coverage and possible claim delays following the end of CED, we are encouraged by the statement in the final decision memorandum by CMS that “Based on the evidence, we believe there will be consistent coverage across regions for appropriate Medicare patients.” MITA calls on CMS and the MACs to work with neurology and Alzheimer’s disease stakeholders to ensure there is seamless and consistent coverage for amyloid PET.
MITA looks forward to working with CMS, the MACs and Medicare Advantage plans on implementation of coverage for beta-amyloid PET.
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