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Positron emission mammography (PEM) is a form of positron emission tomography (PET) that uses a high-resolution, mini-camera detection technology for imaging the breast. As with PET, a radiotracer, usually 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), is administered and the camera is used to provide a higher resolution image of a limited section of the body than would be achievable with FDG-PET. Gentle compression is used, and the detector(s) are mounted directly on the compression paddle(s). PEM allows for the detection of lesions smaller than 2 cm, which may not be possible with FDG-PET. It creates images that are more easily compared to mammography, since they are acquired in the same position. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the PEM images is also possible. As with PET, PEM provides functional rather than anatomic information on the breast.  

In August 2003, the PEM 2400 PET Scanner (PEM Technologies, Inc.) was cleared for marketing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through the 510(k) process. The FDA determined that this device was substantially equivalent to existing devices for use in “medical purposes to image and measure the distribution of injected positron emitting radiopharmaceuticals in human beings for the purpose of determining various metabolic and physiologic functions within the human body.” In March 2009, the Naviscan PEM Flex Solo II High Resolution PET Scanner (Naviscan, Inc.) was cleared for marketing by the FDA through the 510(k) process for the same indication. The PEM 2400 PET Scanner was the predicate device. The newer device is described by the manufacturer as “a high spatial resolution, small field-of-view PET imaging system specifically developed for close-range, spot, i.e., limited field, imaging.”

There was a class 2 recall of the Naviscan PET Systems Inc. PEM Flex Solo II PET Scanner on September 11, 2008, due to “a report from a user indicating that the motorized compression exceeded 25 pounds of compression force during the pre-scan positioning of the patient.” At the time, there were 13 units on the market. Software for the PEM Flex Solo I and PEM Flex Solo II PET scanners was recalled in August 2007. 

Also, refer to related medical policy, Scintimammography/Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging/Molecular Breast Imaging. 

The coverage guidelines outlined in the Medical Policy Manual should not be used in lieu of the Member's specific benefit plan language.

07/17/2012: Policy reviewed; no changes.

Non-Covered Codes

This is not an all-inclusive list of non-covered procedure codes.

All codes billed for this procedure are considered investigational and not eligible for coverage. 

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