Authors' objectives: In nearly all Western countries, HTA-reports on Positron Emission Tomography/PET imaging have been written in the last two decades. Hardly any other medical technology has undergone so many evaluations. This large abundance is ultimately an expression of an unfading uncertainty about the value of PET imaging in patient care. The (Austrian) HTA report presented here has the intention of supplying decision support for evidence- and needs-based PET device planning.

Authors' recommendations: PET is only recommended as a standard diagnostic method in the fewest cases; otherwise it is to be incorporated into a diagnostic pathway when previously inconclusive results have been reached. Against the backdrop of obvious political decision-making pressure, the creation of explicit indication lists (the inclusion, but also exclusion of indications) is recommended as referral and reimbursement support. These can (shall) base themselves, for instance, on the S3 Guidelines of the AWMF/Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften (Association of the Scientific Medical Professional Societies), on the CCO/Cancer Care Ontario PET Clinical Practice Guidelines (which are revised every six months using recent literature), and further evidence-based guidelines.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2015

URL for published report: http://eprints.hta.lbg.ac.at/1045/1/HTA-Projektbericht_Nr.77.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Austria

Organisation Name: Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for fuer Health Technology Assessment (LBI-HTA), Garnisongasse 7/rechte Stiege Mezzanin (Top 20), 1090 Vienna, Austria. Tel: +43 1 236 8119 - 0 Fax: +43 1 236 8119 - 99

Contact Name: tarquin.mittermayr@aihta.at

Contact Email: office@aihta.at

Copyright: Ludwig Boltzmann Institut fuer Health Technology Assessment (LBI-HTA)