|
Positron
Emission Tomography (PET) Scanning in VHA
Policy
Issue: Investment in new, innovative technologies is
important for advancing the missions of VHA in medical research,
education and patient care. VHA has recognized PET as a valuable
research tool and for its potential contribution to clinical
care. However, significant resource commitments are associated
with the acquisition and operation of this technology. After
its initial purchase of multiple PET scanners in the 1980s,
VHA imposed a moratorium on further acquisition until PET’s
clinical utility was firmly established.
Assessment:
Since 1993, VATAP has been monitoring the scientific evidence
of PET’s clinical utility either by conducting its own
assessments or by using those from the international health
technology assessment (HTA) community.
VATAP
Technology assessments
VATAP
Educational support reviews
Reports
from the international HTA community. Click here *
to search the HTA database.
Current
status: In recent years, reimbursement for clinical use
of PET has expanded and demand for PET as a diagnostic test
has grown. Faced with these trends VHA lifted its moratorium
on purchasing new scanners in 2003. VHA is in the process of
developing guidance that will allow VHA facilities to purchase
PET in accordance with standardized system-wide policies for
equipment acquisition and clinical use deemed appropriate for
the veteran population.
Related information:
|
*