Promoting Appropriate Use of Cardiac Imaging: No Longer an Academic Exercise

ASNC imaging guidelines for nuclear cardiology procedures

“…In response to rapid and unsustainable growth in utilization of radionuclide MPI, professional medical organizations developed appropriate use criteria (AUC) to guide physicians and payers on the effective use of these procedures. 26 Based on symptoms, coronary risk factors, and cardiac history, the AUC classifies testing across a range of clinical scenarios in three categories: appropriate (established value), may be appropriate (uncertain value), and rarely appropriate (no clear value). 25 A significant body of literature demonstrated that appropriate MPI use enhances its acumen in risk stratification, reduces radiation risk, and improves its clinical value.…”

PAMA implementation: The road ahead

“…14,15 ASNC has engaged a number of non-cardiology organizations to promote appropriate use in clinical practice. 16 Despite ASNC's unwavering commitment to AUC, there are a lot of uncertainty and concerns surrounding the use of PAMA as a hammer tool to force the implementation of AUC.…”