From the June 2017 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine


And finally, I want to support the development of medical physicists who specialize in nuclear medicine physics by supporting increasing the number of medical physics residencies. I would also like to support mid-level opportunities for nuclear medicine technologists.

HCB News: As president, what unique experience and perspectives do you bring to the table?
BG: I’ve been heavily involved in committees for many years and have a broad range of experience in that respect. I have worked with scientists, technologists, radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians. I also have training in radiology and nuclear medicine, and am certified in both.
HCB News: What are the biggest challenges facing SNMMI today?
BG: There are three main challenges. The first is handling regulations and reimbursement. Second is raising awareness among clinicians about the value of nuclear medicine. The third is the concern about a shortage of Technetium-99m. There is no domestic supply of Mo-99. The Canadian reactor shut down routine production of Mo-99 in 2016, and backup emergency support will cease in 2018.

However, the good news is that a study by OECD’s Nuclear Energy Agency stated that the supply chain capacity should be sufficient to manage an unplanned outage of a reactor or a processor until 2021. Also, the High Flux Reactor in Petten has undergone upgrades, and has significantly increased production of Mo-99, and ANSTO has ramped up Mo-99 production at its OPAL reactor in Australia. Companies working in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration on non-high energy uranium production of Mo-99 will also soon be part of the supply chain.

HCB News: What are the biggest opportunities?
BG: It goes back to the value initiative of nuclear medicine and radionuclide therapy that is key to advances in the field, especially in cancer therapy. There are also new radiopharmaceuticals which have been or will be receiving FDA approval that are very promising.

HCB News: Did the introduction of the ACA have any significant impact on your members?
BG: I don’t have numbers, but I think in general, more patients could afford to get tests, so it did probably increase the volume of tests being done.

HCB News: Are there any concerns about repeal/replacement?
BG: Doing the right study for the right patient helps them get the care they need. PET studies can determine if they have cancer and at what stage, so it can prevent unneeded surgeries. By providing the right information, it lowers costs by directing physicians toward the most promising therapy. So cutting reimbursement or increasing copays reduces the chance of getting care when treatment could be more successful. Therefore, cutting reimbursement or increasing copays could lead to an increase in health care costs.

June 2017 Magazine

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