Carle Clinic Offers New Pet/ct Scanning Technology

July 6, 2009 - PRLog -- URBANA, IL –The latest evolution in positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scanning has arrived at Carle Cancer Center.

The GE MotionFree PET/CT, the only fixed-site scanner in the Champaign-Urbana area, is a groundbreaking system that combines PET/CT with motion-free technology to improve detection of cancerous lesions. The new unit will produce more accurate images for physicians to develop radiation treatment plans.

“Patients who benefit most from this technology are those whose treatment is favorably altered by the scan results,” said Juan Jimenez, MD, section head of PET/CT imaging, Carle Clinic. “The scan results can help doctors determine which patients are suitable for surgery and those that have an inoperable disease.”

Carle Clinic participated in early efforts to evaluate the role of PET/CT and served as a pilot site for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Based upon study results, CMS extended Medicare benefits in April 2009 for PET diagnostics for eleven oncologic conditions, including ovarian cancer and myeloma.

Patients at Carle Cancer Center can now receive PET/CT and diagnostic CT scans the same day as their appointment or on the following day, with preauthorization from their insurer. Same-day results are available on all scans completed before 3 p.m.

For more information, call (217) 383-3270 or visit www.carle-clinic.com/Radiology.

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Carle Clinic Association is a private physician-owned group practice, founded 1931 in Urbana, Illinois. There are 330 physicians employed by Carle Clinic in 50 specialties and subspecialties at 13 regional locations.