Positron Emission Tomography (FDG PET) for Initial Treatment Strategy (PI) in Solid Tumors and Myeloma

Change Request (CR) 7148, announces that on August 4, 2010, CMS issued a final decision memorandum determining that currently restricting the use of only one Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan for therapeutic purposes in the initial treatment strategy for suspected solid tumors and myeloma is not supported by available evidence. Therefore, effective August 4, 2010, Medicare will continue to nationally cover one FDG PET scan for these indications; and Local Medicare Contractors will have discretion to cover (or not cover), within their jurisdictions, any additional FDG PET scans for therapeutic purposes related to the initial treatment strategy.