Medicare Claims Processing Manual (Pub. 100-04), Ch. 13 § 60.4
PET Scans for Imaging of the Perfusion of the Heart Using Rubidium 82 (Rb
60.4 - PET Scans for Imaging of the Perfusion of the Heart Using Rubidium 82 (Rb
82)
(Rev. 223, Issued: 07-02-04) (Effective/Implementation: Not Applicable)
For dates of service on or after March 14, 1995, Medicare covers one PET scan for imaging of the
perfusion of the heart using Rubidium 82 (Rb 82), provided that the following conditions are met:
• The PET is done at a PET imaging center with a PET scanner that has been approved by the
FDA;
• The PET scan is a rest alone or rest with pharmacologic stress PET scan, used for noninvasive
imaging of the perfusion of the heart for the diagnosis and management of patients with known
or suspected coronary artery disease, using Rb 82; and
• Either the PET scan is used in place of, but not in addition to, a single photon emission computed
tomography (SPECT) or the PET scan is used following a SPECT that was found inconclusive.