Applications

A review for the increase in the number of MRI machines in the Rochester area was reviewed.

Based on the information reviewed, CTAAB found no evidence to support the need for additional MRI units at this time. CTAAB further recommends that additional capacity be developed with existing units. Capacity will be re-looked at in 6-9 months.

CTAAB reviewed a request for a mobile PET scan unit to be parked at one-day-per-week basis.

Based on the information reviewed, CTAAB found that a mobile PET unit at Clifton Springs Hospital on a one-day-per-week basis is an appropriate addition to PET scan capacity. Further increases to capacity will be reviewed through the established CTAAB process.

CTAAB reviewed two requests for the addition of PET scan services in the Rochester area. One application was presented as a joint effort between two radiological groups for a two-site mobile unit to be used two days per week. A second application was presented for a fixed unit with cyclotron services to be used on a full time basis.

Based on the information reviewed, CTAAB concluded that the current need for PET scan services is best met by the mobile unit. This proposal meets the community needs in terms of increased access, cooperative health planning, ability to increase capacity on an as needed basis and limited capital expenditure. 

CTAAB's expectation is that this unit will have the widest possible use in the community to provide for the betterment of the entire community.

CTAAB reviewed two requests for increased MRI capacity in the community.

CTAAB found that both units were needed given the current demand and expected future demand. CTAAB committed to monitoring the results of this decision with further analysis in early 2001.

CTAAB reviewed monolayer pap smear technologies for efficacy and cost effectiveness.

CTAAB found that the cost of this technology relative to the benefits does not warrant its widespread use at this time.

A review for an increase in the number of MRI machines in the Rochester area was reviewed.

CTAAB concluded that the addition of one MRI unit in the community is an appropriate addition to the MRI capacity.

Magnetic resonance imaging is a tool used in the diagnosis of injury or disease. One novel use of this technology is in the imaging of breast tissue to diagnose disease.

CTAAB concluded that:

• The demonstrated benefits for magnetic resonance imaging of the breast are uncertain.
• More rigorous scientific studies are needed.
• While MRI of the breast may eventually be shown to be a valuable diagnostic test, the current literature is not yet sufficiently strong to support its use.

Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea, affecting almost every child by the age of four. The Rotavirus vaccine was developed to prevent this.

CTAAB found that the vaccine meets a patient care need. They concurred with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and recommended the vaccine for use based on safety and efficacy studies.

The Board reviewed a request to consider whether an MRI that was operated until July, 1991 would qualify for replacement or upgrade under CTAAB's grandfathering policy.

The Board confirmed that the intent of the grandfathering policy is to avoid penalizing owners of technology that was actively used for patient diagnosis or treatment when CTAAB was established on 3/30/93. Given that the MRI was deactivated in July 1991, the Board denied the request.

A molecular coincidence detector is a modified SPECT camera that produces images like those produced by a positron emitting tomography (PET) scanner

CTAAB concluded that:

• It is uncertain what the demonstrated risks and benefits of MCD is relative to dedicated PET.
• More studies are needed to identify the trade-offs between PET and molecular coincidence imaging.

In addition, CTAAB indicated that the proponent may resubmit a proposal to the Preview Committee to endorse community funding of a clinical study to assess the efficacy of MCD or to reapply outlining under what specific circumstances the technology should be used.