PET scan with CT attentuation

[LongevityAT]

Before deciding on treatment for recently diagnosed PC (Gleason 7 in 7 of 13 cores, a 6 in 3 additional cores) but is not believed to be outside the prostate. I asked my Urologist to schedule a PSMA PET scan. He told me insurance would not approve but would submit anyway. Yesterday I received notice from Aetna (Medicare Advantage PPO plan) that they approved the procedure.

However, I'm confused by the description of what was approved. Here is the verbiage of what was approved - "pet imaging ct attenuation skull base mid-thigh". PSMA is not mentioned. Is this description just a medical term for a PSMA scan? Or have I been approved for something different? And if it is something different, what is it and is it beneficial for identifying PC?

I'm assuming because PSMA is not mentioned, it will not be utilized in the above described scan. Hope I am wrong. I'll call my Urologist on Monday to confirm what they actually requested.

Thank you for any insights.

[OldVTGuy]

My bet is you are good. I think the only thing that makes the PSMA special is the reagent they use. Otherwise its a PET head to thighs.

[tango65]

PET imaging requires a tracer emitting gamma radiation. If your doctor request a PSMA PET/CT, the PET part will be with a PSMA lIgand with Ga 68 or 18F isotopes.

[Concerned-wife]

It appears this link includes the billing codes for the scan which might help clarify. pylarify.com/coding-and-bil...

[LongevityAT]

Thanks everyone, I'm hoping it is an admin error in the description. Will confirm with imaging facility tomorrow.

[MateoBeach]

you are probably good to go. Call and request scheduling for PSMA PET (Pylarify) at the diagnostic radiation facility affiliated with your main cancer center’s hospital. Best to have all scans done where any future radiation oncologists will have full access to the images. Otherwise ask for two copies of the full scan data / images on CDs, not just the reports.

[TWTJr]

In addition to the urologist, you would be well advised at this time to get an oncologist to join your treating physicians.