CMS limits beta amyloid imaging coverage

CMS issued a final decision memo on Friday that would limit beta amyloid imaging to Medicare patients enrolled in clinical trials. Under coverage with evidence development (CED), the trials must be approved by CMS and test new agents or prognostic or diagnostic tools for patients with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

The final decision is in line with January conclusions from CMS's Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee (MEDCAC) as well as a July proposed decision memo from CMS that concluded there was insufficient evidence that beta amyloid PET imaging improves health outcomes (see BioCentury Extra, July 3). ...