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Government Relations

• SNMMI & Partners Urge Congress to Expand MPFS Relief into 2022

  Apr 28, 2021 — This week SNMMI and 62 organizations, representing more than one million healthcare providers, thanked Congress for past efforts on physician reimbursement and requested the inclusion of provisions to future legislation.

• A Partial Win: Humana Reverses PET/CT Non-Coverage Policy

  Apr 27, 2021 — Since November 2020, SNMMI has been in communications with Humana regarding its decision to deny coverage for PET/CT and SPECT/CT. Now the company has partially reversed its decision.

• Medicare Sequester Moratorium Is Officially Extended

  Apr 15, 2021 — Yesterday, President Biden signed legislation extending the moratorium on Medicare sequestration. This occurred after the House passed the Medicare Sequester Relief Act late Tuesday, which extended mandated 2% Medicare cuts to healthcare providers until the end of the year.

• Reps. Peters and Rush Urge CMS for an OPPS Regulatory Fix

  Apr 12, 2021 — Last week, Reps. Scott Peters (D-CA 52nd District) and Bobby Rush (D-IL 1st District) sent a letter to the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) Acting Administrator Elizabeth Ritcher. The letter addressed their concerns regarding the current reimbursement methodology associated with diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals under the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS).

• SNMMI & Partners Advocate for Additional Federal Funding for Scientific Research

  Mar 23, 2021 — Today, SNMMI and partner organizations sent a letter commending Reps. DeGette and Upton on the introduction of the the Research Investment to Spark the Economy (RISE) Act.

• SNMMI & Partners Advocate for Extension of Medicare Sequester Moratorium

  Mar 22, 2021 — Last week, SNMMI and its partners strongly urged Congress to pass H.R. 1868 to extend Medicare sequester moratorium through the end of 2021.

• MAC Update on Retirement of NCD for FDG PET Infection & Inflammation

  Mar 11, 2021 — Subsequent to the retirement by CMS of the NCD for the non-coverage of FDG PET for infection and inflammation, in the absence of a MAC Local Coverage Determination, National Coverage Determination, or CMS Manual Instruction, reasonable and necessary guidelines apply.

• NCCI Implements Some of SNMMI's Proposed Changes to PTP Edits

  Mar 4, 2021 — On March 1, 2021, CMS' National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) implemented several Procedure to Procedure (PTP) edits proposed by SNMMI for several of the new and revised CPT codes. These edits are retroactively effective January 1, 2020.

• SNMMI & Coalition Partners Gather to Discuss the Importance of Providing Access to Advanced Nuclear Imaging Procedures

  Mar 3, 2021 — SNMMI, with MITA and CORAR, hosted a virtual briefing with physicians, patients, and industry representatives. Discussions centered on the need to provide patient access to innovative nuclear diagnostics and the growing role of PET, SPECT, and nuclear medicine in detecting life-threatening diseases.

• CMS Retires National Non-Coverage Policy for FDG PET Infection and Inflammation

  Mar 1, 2021 — Since 2008, CMS has not covered PET for imaging of infection and inflammation. Now that has changed.

• SNMMI & Partners Urge Congress to Waive Budget Neutrality for MPFS Beyond 2021

  Feb 23, 2021 — SNMMI and 74 other organizations urged legislators to consider additional policy options in the year ahead to address shortcomings in physician reimbursement.

• CMS Confirms HOPPS Payment Rate Error for CERIANNA™ (Fluoroestradiol F-18) Injection

  Feb 22, 2021 — SNMMI has been working with Zionexa to seek proper Medicare reimbursement for Cerianna, radiolabeled 18F-fluoroestradiol indicated for use with positron emission tomography (PET) imaging for detection of estrogen receptor–positive lesions as an adjunct to biopsy in patients with recurrent or metastatic breast cancer. As of January 2021, the HOPPS published rate for this product is incorrect.

• Detectnet™ (Copper Cu-64 Dotatate Injection) Gets a New HCPCS Level II Code

  Feb 10, 2021 — Recently, the Centers of Medicare and Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) granted Detectnet™ a HCPCS Level II Code, A9592 (copper cu-64, dotatate, diagnostic, 1 millicurie), effective April 1, 2021.

• NRC Unveils Patient Educational Video on Radioactive Drug Therapy

  Jan 26, 2021 — Last week, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) announced the release of the video, “Staying Safe While Getting Better, Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones While Taking Radioactive Drugs.”

• President Signs 2021 Appropriations Act, Supplements Physician Reimbursement, Provides COVID-19 Relief

  Dec 27, 2020 — Today, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 into law. The House (359 to 53) and Senate (91 to 7) passed the legislation by a vote of 359 to 53 on December 22. This is good news for physician reimbursement.

• SNMMI & Partners Take Action to Ensure Imaging Professionals are Included in Phase 1a of COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

  Dec 16, 2020 — On December 1, the CDC ACIP recommended that health care personnel who provide direct patient care be the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccination when it becomes available. SNMMI has taken action with partner organizations to support the inclusion of imaging professionals in that allocation.

• SNMMI and Coalition Support Bill Waiving Budget Neutrality in New Senate Bill

  Dec 15, 2020 — Yesterday, SNMMI and a coalition consisting of 77 medical societies sent a letter to Congress in support of S. 5007, a bill to halt pending Medicare payment cuts resulting from the planned evaluation and management (E/M) code changes slated for implementation on January 1, 2021.

• Final 2021 MPFS Rule Fails to Provide Relief, SNMMI and Coalition Lobby Congress to Protect Physician Reimbursement and Access to Care

  Dec 2, 2020 — Yesterday evening, December 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the calendar year 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) final rule. Though SNMMI agrees with the adoption of the new evaluation and management (E/M) coding structure recommended by the American Medical Association (AMA), this will result in significant payment reductions to nuclear medicine (~8%) and radiology (~11%) services unless the government removes the budget neutrality requirements.

• SNMMI Objects to Humana’s Decision to Deny Coverage for PET/CT & SPECT/CT

  Nov 12, 2020 — On November 6, SNMMI received word regarding Humana’s recent decision [Policy Number: HCS-0506-010] to deny coverage for PET/CT (CPT codes 78429-78433) and SPECT/CT (78830, 78832) on the basis that it is “experimental/investigational” and “not identified as widely used and generally accepted for the proposed uses as reported in nationally recognized peer-reviewed medical literature.”

• SNMMI and Coalition Support Bill Waiving Budget Neutrality, Increasing Proposed Physician Reimbursement for 2021

  Nov 11, 2020 — Today, SNMMI and a coalition consisting of 73 medical societies sent a letter to Congress in support of H.R. 8702, a bill to halt pending Medicare payment cuts resulting from the planned evaluation and management (E/M) code changes slated for implementation on January 1, 2021.

• SNMMI and Partners Ask Congress to Waive Budget Neutrality for MPFS

  Oct 13, 2020 — On Friday, SNMMI and several medical societies sent a joint letter asking Congress to waive budget neutrality for the relative value unit increases in the CY 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. The CMS Proposed CY 2021 MPFS Rule increased payment rates for evaluation and management codes; however, because of budget neutrality imposed by Congress, increases would lead to huge deficits other payment rates.

• FDA-NRC Workshop: Register Now

  Oct 2, 2020 — Throughout the spring and summer, SNMMI has been working with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on coordinating a workshop to be held on October 14, 2020.

• SNMMI Comments on 2021 MPFS Proposed Rule

  Sep 30, 2020 — On Monday, August 3, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the calendar year 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule. Though SNMMI agrees with the adoption of the new evaluation and management (E/M) coding structure recommended by the American Medical Association (AMA), this will result in significant payment reductions to nuclear medicine (~8%) and radiology (~11%) services unless the government removes the budget neutrality requirements.

• NRC Requests Comments on Additional Rulemaking for Extravasations

  Sep 29, 2020 — On September 15th, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requested comment from the public on whether additional rulemaking is needed to require reporting of certain nuclear medicine injection extravasations as medical events.

• NRC Considering Regulatory Relief for Training for Imaging and Localization Studies

  Sep 19, 2020 — SNMMI along with ASNC, ASTRO and ACR received a response from the NRC regarding their request for regulatory relief for training for imaging and localization studies during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

• SNMMI and Partners Host Congressional Briefing on the Groundbreaking Potential of Radiopharmaceuticals in Oncology and Need for Expanded Patient Access

  Sep 17, 2020 — Yesterday, SNMMI and its coalition partners, Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) and Council on Radionuclides and Radiopharmaceuticals, Inc. (CORAR) hosted a virtual briefing for Capitol Hill staff yesterday with leading physicians to discuss the extraordinary and growing impact of positron emission tomography (PET) and nuclear medicine in cancer treatment, as well as the importance of expanding patient access to these drugs through passage of the Medicare Diagnostic Radiopharmaceutical Payment Equity Act of 2019 (H.R. 3772).

• CMS extends the AUC Program Educational and Operations Testing Period through CY 2021

  Aug 11, 2020 — The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has provided an update regarding the Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) Program established by The Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) of 2014.

• CMS Releases 2021 MPFS Proposed Rule

  Aug 4, 2020 — On August 3, CMS released the 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule. In this rule, CMS proposed changes to the payment provisions, introduced new coding structure for the evaluation and management codes and updated the Quality Payment Program.

• SNMMI Receives $750K Grant to Assist Nuclear Medicine Programs in Sub-Saharan Africa

  Jul 29, 2020 — The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has awarded SNMMI a grant for $750,000 over three years to support capacity building for nuclear medicine initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa.

• SNMMI and Coalition Partners Re-Engage Grassroots Efforts

  Jul 23, 2020 — On July 16, the Health Policy and Regulatory Affairs (HPRA) and Outreach departments co-hosted a patient advocacy webinar on how to be an effective patient advocate for H.R. 3772, the “Medicare Diagnostic Radiopharmaceutical Payment Equity Act of 2019.”

• SNMMI Hosts FDA Townhall on the Impact of COVID-19

  Jul 10, 2020 — On Wednesday, June 17th, SNMMI hosted an FDA Townhall on the Impact of COVID-19 on regulatory activities.

• SNMMI and Coalition Partners Embrace Virtual Fly-Ins

  Jun 18, 2020 — Beginning in June, SNMMI and our Appropriate Payment Coalition Partners, the Medical Imaging Technology Alliance (MITA) and the Council on Radionuclides and Radiopharmaceuticals, Inc. (CORAR) renewed their efforts to continue promoting H.R. 3772, the Medicare Diagnostic Radiopharmaceutical Payment Equity Act of 2019.

• SNMMI Requests Regulatory Relief for Training for Imaging and Localization Studies

  Jun 11, 2020 — Today, SNMMI along with ASNC, ASTRO and ACR requested regulatory relief for Training for imaging and localization studies during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

• USP Announces New Implementation Date for USP General Chapter <825>

  Jun 1, 2020 — The United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) has updated the implementation date for General Chapter <825> Radiopharmaceuticals – Preparation, Compounding, Dispensing, and Repackaging to December 1, 2020.

• Recent HHS Updates During the COVID-19 Pandemic

  May 19, 2020 — As we wait the enactment of a fourth stimulus package, SNMMI would like to inform its membership of the recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) administrative updates as a result of COVID-19.

• SNMMI Selects Two Henkin Fellows for 2020

  May 18, 2020 — Each year, the Robert E. Henkin Fellowship awards the opportunity for an early career professional to visit Washington, DC, and receive direct personal exposure to government relations activities of the SNMMI. SNMMI is pleased to announce that Domnique Newallo, MD, RT (R),(CT), and Justin Peacock, MD, PhD, have been selected as our 2020 Robert E. Henkin Government Relations Fellows.

• SNMMI Advocates for Access to Diagnostic Radiopharmaceuticals through COVID-19 and Beyond

  May 15, 2020 — This week SNMMI and its coalition partners sent a letter imploring Congress to take immediate action to ensure patient access to FDA-approved diagnostic radiopharmaceutical drugs that aid in the detection of cancer, cardiovascular conditions and neurological disorders.

• SNMMI Advocates for Frontline Healthcare Workers

  May 8, 2020 — SNMMI joined various other medical professional societies in advocating for all frontline members of the healthcare delivery system during the COVID-19 pandemic

• Public Meeting to Discuss 10 CFR Part 37 Regulatory Relief Pathways for NRC Licensees

  May 1, 2020 — On Tuesday, May 5, at 1:00 p.m. EDT, the NRC will be holding a public meeting to discuss potential regulatory relief pathways for NRC 10 CFR Part 37 licensees during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

• CARES ACT 2.0: HHS Gets Another Infusion of $100 Billion

  Apr 24, 2020 — $75 billion is allocated for reimbursement to hospitals and healthcare providers to support the need for COVID-19 related expenses and lost revenue. The language remains the same as CARES Act. $25 billion is designated for necessary expenses to research, develop, validate, manufacture, purchase, administer, and expand capacity for COVID-19 tests.

• SNMMI Receives Good News from KLM regarding Radioisotope Supply

  Apr 20, 2020 — Based on humanitarian needs and medical urgency, KLM has agreed to resume the transport of medical isotopes from Europe to the United States beginning April 27th.

• Congressman Greg Murphy, MD, Signs On to the Medicare Diagnostic Radiopharmaceutical Payment Equity Act

  Apr 16, 2020 — Last week, SNMMI had the chance to sit down and talk with Congressman Greg Murphy, MD, a urologist representing North Carolina’s 3rd Congressional district. Congressman Murphy is the first physician to sign on to HR 3772, the Medicare Diagnostic Radiopharmaceutical Payment Equity Act.

• The NMEu Meets to Discuss COVID-19 and the Global Supply of Mo-99

  Apr 8, 2020 — On Monday, April 6th the Nuclear Medicine Europe (NMEu’s) Security of Supply Working Group (SoS WG) Emergency Response Team (ERT) held a teleconference to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Mo-99 and other radioisotope production.

• SNMMI Encourages Legislators To Ensure Accessibility to PPE

  Mar 26, 2020 — On Thursday, March 26, the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging joined the American College of Radiology, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, the Nuclear Medicine Technologist Certification Board and the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography in calling for an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Mo-99 Supply Update

  Mar 16, 2020 — On Monday, March 16, SNMMI President Vasken Dilsizian, MD, released the following statement addressing how the COVID-19 pandemic may affect the supply of Mo-99.

• *Latest Update:* SNMMI Identifies NCCI Edit Errors

  Mar 5, 2020 — SNMMI has confirmed that there are incorrect edits in the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) for several of the new and revised CPT codes that went into effect on January 1, 2020.

• NCCI Agrees with SNMMI's Proposed Changes to Edits PTP Errors

  Mar 5, 2020 — Due to SNMMI's diligence, CMS' National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) confirmed that its proposed Procedure to Procedure (PTP) edits for several of the new and revised CPT codes (effective January 1, 2020) will be corrected.

• NCCI Agrees with SNMMI's Proposed Changes to PTP Edits

  Mar 5, 2020 — Due to SNMMI's diligence, CMS' National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) confirmed that its proposed Procedure to Procedure (PTP) edits for several of the new and revised CPT codes (effective January 1, 2020) will be corrected.

• SNMMI Hosts FDA Workshop

  Feb 18, 2020 — On Friday, February 21, SNMMI and the FDA will be hosting a workshop entitled "PET Drugs: A Workshop on Inspections Management and Regulatory Issues."

• SNMMI Co-Hosts Congressional Briefing on Capitol Hill: Diagnostic Imaging and Alzheimer’s

  Jan 30, 2020 — On Wednesday, January 29, the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, the Council on Radionuclides and Radiopharmaceuticals (CORAR), and the Medical Imaging Technology Alliance (MITA) co-hosted a congressional briefing entitled: A New Hope: Advancements in Diagnostic Imaging and Alzheimer’s.

• SNMMI President Vasken Dilsizian, MD, and Josh Mailman Speak at NRC Commissioners Meeting

  Jan 28, 2020 — SNMMI President Vasken Dilsizian, MD, and patient advocate Josh Mailman participated in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) Discussion of Medical Uses of Radioactive Materials at the NRC Headquarters in Rockville, Maryland.

• Good News for Members on CMS PET NCD

  Nov 15, 2019 — After reviewing the NCDs for PET for Myocardial Perfusion and PET for Myocardial Viability, CMS clarified that PET quantitative myocardial blood flow is coverable under these NCDs.

• Good News for Nuclear Medicine in CMS Final 2020 MPFS and HOPPS Rules

  Nov 4, 2019 — On November 1, CMS issued its final rules for HOPPS and MPFS. Thanks to the joint efforts of SNMMI, partner societies, and members, we have great news about nuclear medicine reimbursement for the coming year. Find out more.

• SNMMI Hosts Successful Capitol Hill Day, Winning New Congressional Interest

  Oct 24, 2019 — On Tuesday, October 22, SNMMI hosted a Capitol Hill Day. Members from all across the country came to Washington, D.C., to advocate for nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.

• NRC Advisory Committee on Medical Uses of Isotopes Fall Meeting Summary

  Oct 7, 2019 — The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) held its fall meeting of the Advisory Committee on Medical Uses of Isotopes (ACMUI) on September 10-11. It addressed several topics of importance to SNMMI, including training and experience requirements and USP 825.

• SNMMI-ACNM Comment on NRC Proposed Revision of Patient Release Guidance

  Oct 4, 2019 — SNMMI and ACNM submitted comments to the NRC on the recently proposed revision to the draft regulatory guide, "Release of Patients Administered Radioactive Material."

• Members: Thank You for Your Efforts to Protect Cardiac PET

  Oct 2, 2019 — Thank you to all the SNMMI members who sent messages to Congress and comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services about its proposal to reduce reimbursement by up to 80 percent for myocardial PET in the office setting.

• Joint Society Call to Action: Congressional Sign On Letter to CMS Addresses Proposed PET Cuts, Patient Impacts

  Sep 23, 2019 — As we continue our many efforts to address the cuts proposed in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, we need your help! Most recently, the ACC, ASNC, CAA, SNMMI and ACNM have secured a Congressional sign-on letter to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) by Reps. Mike Kelly, (R-PA), Ron Estes (R-KS), and Ron Kind, (D-WI). As members, we urge you to write, call, or email your representatives and senators and ask them to sign the letter and voice concerns with CMS directly.

• Nuclear Medicine Technologist Licensure Legislation Introduced in Pennsylvania

  Sep 19, 2019 — On September 6, 2019 House Bill 1811 was introduced in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

• SNMMI Call to Action: Submit Your Comments on Medicare Proposed Rules

  Sep 18, 2019 — The society—along with the American College of Nuclear Medicine—have already submitted comments alerting CMS to the impact of these proposals. We need your help in submitting comments as well. CMS needs to hear how these proposals impact your profession and patient care.

• WATCH: SNMMI Hosts Webinar on New 2020 SPECT, SPECT-CT, Cardiac PET, and Cardiac PET-CT Codes

  Sep 11, 2019 — Members can watch a brief summary, as well as the complete webinar here.

• SNMMI Comments on 2020 Proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

  Sep 9, 2019 — SNMMI and the American College of Nuclear Medicine recently responded to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' 2020 Proposed Physician Fee Schedule.

• SNMMI Sends CMS Comments on Proposed 2020 Hospital Outpatient Payment Regulation

  Sep 9, 2019 — SNMMI has submitted a comment letter to CMS on the proposed rule for the 2020 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System, recommending improvements in the way that CMS pays hospital outpatient departments for nuclear medicine and molecular imaging procedures.

• ACC, ACNM, ASNC, CAA and SNMMI Respond Strongly to Myocardial PET Cuts

  Sep 3, 2019 — Alarming proposals updating payment inputs for myocardial PET, potentially leading to technical component payment reductions as high as 80 percent for some services, were included in the proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2020. SNMMI and other medical societies are working to correct the inputs for the payment formula through the public comment process and direct communication with policymakers.

• NRC Seeks Comments for Proposed Revision of Patient Release Guidance

  Aug 14, 2019 — The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is seeking comments for a proposed revision (Revision 1) of the draft regulatory guide DG-8057, “Release of Patients Administered Radioactive Material.”

• NRC Releases Updated Licensing Guidance for Ge-68/Ga-68 Generators

  Aug 9, 2019 — Recently, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) updated licensing guidance of germanium-68/gallium-68 (Ge-68/Ga-68) pharmaceutical-grade generators. The new guidance is an update to the 2017 guidance.

• CMS Issues 2020 Payment Rules

  Aug 2, 2019 — The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released the calendar year 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rules on Monday, July 29, 2019.

• SNMMI Launches Grassroots Movement

  Jul 31, 2019 — On Monday, July 29 SNMMI launched a letter writing campaign in support of H.R. 3772, the Medicare Diagnostic Radiopharmaceutical Payment Equity Act of 2019.

• WATCH: SNMMI Members Talk Nuclear Medicine at Congressional Policy Briefing on Capitol Hill

  Jul 24, 2019 — On July 17, SNMMI, with MITA and CORAR, co-hosted a congressional policy briefing to discuss precision medicine and the importance of diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals.

• Bipartisan Group Moves to Expand Access to Diagnostic Radiopharmaceuticals

  Jul 17, 2019 — On July 16, a bipartisan group introduced the Medicare Diagnostic Radiopharmaceutical Payment Equity Act of 2019 (HR 3772). The bill would expand patient access to highly targeted, precision diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals that evaluate conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and some cancers—allowing patients to get the right treatment faster and saving taxpayers money.

• SNMMI-ACNM Submit Comments on NRC Proposed Changes to Training and Experience Requirements

  Jul 5, 2019 — SNMMI together with representatives from ACNM provided feedback to the NRC on the proposed changes to the training and experience requirements for those who wish to be authorized users of unsealed byproduct material.

• USP Publishes General Chapter <825> Effective December 1, 2019

  Jun 5, 2019 — On June 1, the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) published General Chapter <825> Radiopharmaceuticals – Preparation, Compounding, Dispensing, and Repackaging. This General Chapter provides uniform minimum standards for the preparation, compounding, dispensing, and repackaging of sterile and non-sterile radiopharmaceuticals for humans and animals that occur as part of state-licensed activities.

• NRC Proposes Reductions in Training and Experience Requirements for Administering Radiopharmaceuticals

  May 29, 2019 — The NRC has proposed changes that could reduce the training and experience currently required to administer radiopharmaceuticals for which a written directive is required. SNMMI believes these changes would compromise the safety of patients, their caregivers, and family members. Read more.

• SNMMI's Voice Heard in Medicare Local Coverage Decision

  May 15, 2019 — In the summer of 2018, SNMMI submitted comments to a Medicare Administrative Contractor offering support for SPECT imaging with DaTscan.

• Courtney Lawhn-Heath Awarded 2019 Henkin Fellowship

  Apr 23, 2019 — SNMMI is pleased to announce that Courtney Lawhn-Heath, MD, has been selected as the recipient of the 2019 Robert E. Henkin Government Relations Fellowship.

• NRC Advisory Committee on Medical Uses of Isotopes Spring Meeting Summary

  Apr 5, 2019 — The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) held its spring meeting of the Advisory Committee on Medical Uses of Isotopes (ACMUI) on April 3rd and 4th. It addressed several topics of importance to SNMMI, including Part 35, training and experience requirements, and Germanium-68/Gallium-68 Generator Licensing Guidance.

• SNMMI/ASNC Alert: Important Drug Safety Information for Rubidium 82 Generators

  Apr 4, 2019 — Recently, there has been a report of high-level radiation exposure with use of incorrect eluent in Rubidium 82 Rb82 generators after a failure to follow the eluate testing protocol. ASNC and SNMMI members are reminded to use only additive-free, 0.9 % Sodium Chloride Injection, USP (normal saline) to elute the Rubidium 82 Rb82 generator.

• SNMMI Members Host Congressman Loebsack at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

  Mar 18, 2019 — Congressman Loebsack and staff visited the PET and nuclear medicine facilities at the University of Iowa.

• FDA Updates Bulk Drug Substances List with Amino Acid Solutions

  Mar 4, 2019 — On March 1, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced updates to the categories of bulk drug substances under its interim policy under section 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. SNMMI commends the FDA for their swift action to update the 503B Bulk Drugs list, which will ultimately make it easier for manufacturers to compound and make available an arginine/lysine only solution.

• SNMMI-ACNM Submit Comments to NRC on Training and Experience Requirements

  Jan 30, 2019 — SNMMI together with representatives from ACNM provided feedback to the NRC on the training and experience requirements for those who wish to be authorized users of unsealed byproduct material.

• SNMMI Submits Comments to USP on General Chapter <825>

  Dec 6, 2018 — SNMMI submitted comments on USP General Chapter <825> on Friday, November 30th.

• SNMMI Addresses Mo-99 Isotope Shortage

  Nov 19, 2018 — SNMMI, along with several other organizations, signed a letter to the U.S. Department of Energy and the Office of Management and Budget in regards to Mo-99 shortages.

• SNMMI Advocacy Post-Election

  Nov 7, 2018 — A brief summary of yesterday's election results, including milestones achieved, new faces, and how you can get involved.

• NRC Seeks Public Input on Training and Experience Requirements

  Nov 6, 2018 — The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will be holding public meetings to obtain input on training and experience requirements.

• CMS Issues Final 2019 Payment Rules

  Nov 2, 2018 — CMS has released the Physician Fee Schedule and Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System final rules.

• NRC Advisory Committee on Medical Uses of Isotopes Fall Meeting Summary

  Sep 27, 2018 — The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) held its fall meeting of the Advisory Committee on Medical Uses of Isotopes (ACMUI) on September 20th and 21st. It addressed several topics of importance to SNMMI, including training and experience requirements, nursing mother guidelines, and compounding of sterile and non-sterile radiopharmaceuticals.

• Register today! USP to Host Open Mic Session on <825> Radiopharmaceuticals

  Sep 26, 2018 — USP is hosting an open microphone session Wednesday, October 10th, 2018 to discuss the Proposed General Chapter <825> on radiopharmaceuticals. Registration is currently open and there is no cost to participate.

• SNMMI Comments on 2019 Proposed Hospital Outpatient Rule

  Sep 25, 2018 — SNMMI raises concerns about radiopharmaceuticals being removed from pass-through status for 2019 and other matters.

• BlueCross BlueShield TN Expands Coverage for Cardiac PET

  Sep 24, 2018 — BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee has expanded Medicare coverage for Cardiac PET.

• Availability of Mo-99

  Sep 11, 2018 — Nuclear reactors in both South Africa and Australia are off-line for unscheduled reasons. Efforts are being made to reduce the impact on patients.

• SNMMI Supports Proposed Medicare 2019 Payment Rule for Physicians

  Sep 10, 2018 — SNMMI backed CMS's plan not to reduce payments for two nuclear medicine procedures.

• SNMMI Supports Proposed Coverage Expansion for Cardiac PET

  Sep 10, 2018 — SNMMI backed a proposal to expand coverage of Cardiac PET in Tennessee and suggested that the expansion go further.

• Aetna Expands Coverage for Gallium-68 DOTATATE

  Aug 16, 2018 — Aetna has changed its policy to expand coverage for Gallium-68 DOTATATE.

• SNMMI Seeks Comments on BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee's Proposed Changes to PET Coverage

  Aug 15, 2018 — A new BlueCross Blueshield draft coverage policy was released that includes changes to PET oncologic applications.

• SNMMI Encourages FDA to Alleviate Shortage of Gallium-68

  Aug 13, 2018 — SNMMI outlines the shortage of Gallium-68, its causes and suggests ways the FDA could help.

• USP Opens Call for Volunteers to Serve on Expert Committees

  Aug 6, 2018 — The United States Pharmacopeia is in need of qualified volunteers in the areas of chemical medicines, compounding, and other radiopharmaceutical-related fields.

• USP Releases Chapter 825 on Radiopharmaceuticals

  Jul 27, 2018 — A summary of this new chapter on radiopharmaceuticals is provided here. SNMMI had recommended that a new chapter be established and now looks forward to reviewing it and providing comments. Members are also encouraged to submit comments.

• CMS Proposes 2019 Outpatient Payment Rules

  Jul 26, 2018 — CMS's Proposed Hospital Outpatient Rule has been released. Fees are up slightly.

• The NRC Adopts Many of SNMMI's Recommendations in Final Rule on Medical Use of Byproduct Material

  Jul 25, 2018 — NRC releases amendments related to medical event reporting, training and experience, and measuring molybdenum concentration, among other provisions.

• SNMMI Supports Bill Funding Mo-99 Domestic Production

  Jul 19, 2018 — In a letter to the Senate and House subcommittees on Energy and Water Development, SNMMI President Satoshi Minoshima, MD, PhD, joined with leaders of other medical societies, patient groups, radiopharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors, and medical imaging companies to urge support of a provision in both the Senate and House bills that would provide $20 million in additional funding to continue establishing domestic production of Mo-99.

• CMS Proposes 2019 Payment Rule for Physicians

  Jul 13, 2018 — CMS issued its CY 2019 proposed payment policies and payment rates for services furnished under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.

• Availability of Mo-99

  Jul 12, 2018 — Nuclear reactors in both South Africa and Australia are off-line for unscheduled reasons. Efforts are being made to reduce the impact on patients.

• SNMMI-ACNM-ASTRO Submit Joint Comments to NRC on Training and Experience Requirements

  Jul 10, 2018 — SNMMI together with representatives from ACNM and ASTRO offered recommendations for potential updates to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s requirements for those who wish to be authorized users of unsealed byproduct material.

• SNMMI Opposes Florida Proposal

  Jul 3, 2018 — SNMMI responds to an attempt to withdraw Medicare coverage of DAT-SPECT with Iodine I-123 Ioflupane (DatScan).

• The AMA's RUC and Why It Is Important to You

  Jun 12, 2018 — The American Medical Association (AMA) has an expert panel called the Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC), which advocates for accurate valuation of all physician services. If you receive a request from SNMMI to participate in an AMA RUC survey, it is imperative that you participate so your voice can be heard.

• Comments Sent to FDA Regarding Amino Acids Needed During Lu-177 DOTATATE Therapy

  May 29, 2018 — SNMMI, the Mayo Clinic, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have jointly filed comments with the FDA with recommendations for regulatory changes that would make it easier for patients with GEP-NETs to obtain arginine and lysine--amino acids that can mitigate side effects of Lu-177 DOTATATE therapy.

• SNMMI Advocates for Improved Reimbursement at CMS Public Meeting

  May 21, 2018 — SNMMI recently advocated on behalf of members and their patients at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) workgroup public meeting. Lu-177-dotatate, Ga-68-dotatate, and Fl-18-fluciclovine are all delivered by pharmacies in per-study doses, not per-unit doses; SNMMI requested that CMS modify the coding descriptors for payment accordingly.

• Aria Razmaria, MD, Awarded 2018 Henkin Fellowship

  Apr 11, 2018 — SNMMI and the Education and Research Foundation for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging are pleased to announce that Aria Razmaria, MD, has been selected as the recipient of the 2018 Robert E. Henkin Government Relations Fellowship.

• SNMMI Comments on NRC Patient Release Program

  Jun 10, 2017 — SNMMI submitted comments to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on its patient release programs.

• USP Plans to Establish New Chapter for Radiopharmaceuticals and Calls for Candidates on Expert Panel

  Jun 2, 2017 — The USP plans to establish a new General Chapter <825> Compounding-Radiopharmaceuticals.

• 2017 Robert E. Henkin Government Relations Fellowship

  May 31, 2017 — The fellows spent a week in Washington, DC, and gained firsthand knowledge of Capitol Hill and inside federal agencies.

• NRC Advisory Committee on Medical Uses of Isotopes Spring Meeting Summary

  May 25, 2017 — The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) held their spring meeting of the Advisory Committee on Medical Uses of Isotopes (ACMUI) on April 26 and 27.

• NRC Seeks Comments on Patient Release Program

  Apr 20, 2017 — The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is requesting comments from the general public on its patient release programs.

• SNMMI Submits Comments to FDA on Compounding

  Mar 1, 2017 — SNMMI submitted comments to the FDA on radiopharmaceutical compounding.

• Fast Fact #1: The Joint Commission (TJC)

  Feb 23, 2017 — Did you know that The Joint Commission now requires a technologist to hold the credential of RT(R), RT(N) and/or CNMT in order to perform diagnostic computed tomography procedures?

• USP to Post Second Round of Public Comments for General Chapter <797>

  Feb 16, 2017 — The general chapter <797> on pharmaceutical compounding—sterile preparations will be posted for second round of public comments.

• Ashley Mishoe and Daniel Yokell Chosen as Recipients of the 2017 Henkin Fellowship

  Feb 6, 2017 — SNMMI and the Education and Research Foundation for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging are pleased to announce that Ashley Mishoe, B.S., Pharm.D., and Daniel L Yokell, Pharm.D., are the recipients of the 2017 Robert E. Henkin Government Relations Fellowship.

• SNMMI Submits Comments to NRC on Training and Experience Requirements

  Jan 25, 2017 — The society submitted comments to NRC on training and experience requirements in CFR 10 Part 35.

• FDA Issues Draft Guidances on Compounding and Repackaging Radiopharmaceuticals

  Jan 11, 2017 — The FDA issued two draft guidances that describe FDA’s proposed policies regarding the compounding and repackaging of radiopharmaceuticals for human use by state-licensed nuclear pharmacies or federal facilities, and outsourcing facilities.

• VA scales back proposal on nurses reading imaging studies

  Dec 14, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has scaled back a proposal that would have granted expanded duties to advanced-level nurses within the VA system by removing language that could have allowed nurses to perform and interpret medical imaging studies. SNMMI, as well as other organizations in the imaging community, submitted comments to the VA expressing concern about this potential expansion of nurses’ duties into areas for which they do not have the requisite training.

• SNMMI Develops USP Recommendations for Compounded Sterile Radiopharmaceuticals

  Dec 14, 2016 — SNMMI has developed USP Recommendations for Compounded Sterile Radiopharmaceuticals.

• House Passes 21st Century Cures Bicameral Compromise

  Dec 1, 2016 — On Wednesday, November 30, the House passed the 21st Century Cures legislation 392-26, sending the sweeping FDA and CMS reform package to the Senate.

• A Look at the New Administration’s Healthcare Nominees

  Nov 29, 2016 — President-elect Donald Trump’s healthcare nominees are in keeping with his promise to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), as well as to work with Republicans to overhaul Medicare and Medicaid significantly. Trump has selected Republican Representative Tom Price, an orthopedic surgeon from Georgia, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services and Seema Verma—president, CEO and founder of SVC, Inc., a national health policy consulting company—to serve as CMS administrator.

• Updated NMT Scope of Practice and Performance Standards

  Nov 9, 2016 — Minimal changes were made to the NMT Scope of Practice and Performance Standards approved in September 2016.

• CMS Releases CY 2017 HOPPS & MPFS Final Rules - Effective January 1, 2017

  Nov 3, 2016 — CMS released the CY 2017 Final Rules for the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS) and the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.

• NRC Seeks Comments for Proposed Revision of Patient Release Guidance

  — The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is seeking comments for a proposed revision (Revision 1) of the draft regulatory guide DG-8057, “Release of Patients Administered Radioactive Material.”

• Updated NMT Scope of Practice and Performance Standards

  — Minimal changes were made to the NMT Scope of Practice and Performance Standards approved in June 2017.