New Medicare Coverage for PET Scans for Alzheimer’s in 2025: What You Need to Know

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a significant policy change that will see Medicare expand its coverage of positron emission tomography (PET) beta-amyloid imaging for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease beginning in 2024. This move is expected to improve early detection and management of Alzheimer's, a type of dementia affecting an estimated 6.7 million U.S. adults aged 65 and older. By covering these crucial diagnostic tests, Medicare aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families affected by this debilitating condition.
The decision to expand coverage for amyloid PET scans holds substantial implications for healthcare providers and patients alike. Early detection of Alzheimer's can lead to more effective management strategies, potentially slowing the progression of the disease. This policy change underscores the importance of advanced diagnostic tools in addressing public health challenges and reflects a broader commitment to supporting the aging population in the United States. As the prevalence of Alzheimer's continues to grow, this expanded coverage represents a critical step in improving access to essential medical care and support services.
RATING
The article provides a timely and accurate overview of a significant policy change affecting Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and treatment. It effectively communicates the importance of the CMS's decision to expand Medicare coverage for PET scans, which is relevant to the public interest. However, the article could benefit from greater balance by including diverse perspectives and addressing potential criticisms or challenges of the policy change. While the source quality is generally reliable, additional citations and transparency about sources would enhance the article's credibility. The clarity and readability are strong, but the article could provide more context and details to improve comprehension. Overall, the article serves as an informative piece on a critical healthcare development, though it could be strengthened by addressing potential areas of debate and providing more comprehensive analysis.
RATING DETAILS
The story accurately presents key facts about Alzheimer's disease, such as its classification as a type of dementia and its impact on memory and cognitive function. The prevalence figure of 6.7 million U.S. adults aged 65 and older is consistent with data from the Alzheimer's Association. The claim about the importance of early detection and management is also supported by existing medical literature. However, the statement regarding the CMS's expansion of Medicare coverage for amyloid PET scans is slightly misleading, as it implies a future change in 2024, whereas the announcement was made in 2023. Overall, the story's factual basis is strong, with minor discrepancies in timing details.
The article presents a largely positive perspective on the expansion of Medicare coverage for PET scans, emphasizing the benefits for individuals with Alzheimer's disease. However, it does not explore potential drawbacks or criticisms of the policy change, such as cost implications for Medicare or the healthcare system. Additionally, the article could have included perspectives from healthcare providers or patients to provide a more balanced view. While it effectively highlights the significance of the policy change, the lack of diverse viewpoints limits its balance.
The article is generally clear and concise, effectively communicating the key points about Alzheimer's disease and the CMS policy change. The language is straightforward, making it accessible to a general audience. However, the article could improve clarity by providing more context on the implications of the policy change, such as potential challenges or limitations. The structure is logical, but additional details would enhance the reader's understanding of the broader impact.
The story references the Alzheimer's Association, a reputable source for information on Alzheimer's disease. However, it does not explicitly cite other authoritative sources, such as medical journals or government publications, to support its claims about the CMS policy change. Although the Alzheimer's Association is a credible source, additional references would enhance the article's reliability. The inclusion of statements from CMS officials or healthcare experts would further strengthen the source quality.
The article provides limited transparency regarding the methodology or sources used to support its claims. It mentions the Alzheimer's Association but lacks detailed citations or links to specific reports or studies. The article could improve transparency by disclosing the basis for its claims, such as specific data sources or expert interviews. Additionally, it does not address potential conflicts of interest or biases that could affect the reporting, which is crucial for maintaining transparency.
Sources
- https://www.neurologylive.com/view/cms-expands-coverage-pet-imaging-confirmation-alzheimer-diagnosis
- https://www.auntminnie.com/clinical-news/molecular-imaging/article/15633861/cms-proposal-covers-pet-scans-for-alzheimers-disease
- https://practicalneurology.com/news/cms-expands-coverage-for-pet-imaging-for-diagnosing-alzheimer-disease
- https://www.alz.org/news/2025/updated-appropriate-use-criteria-amyloid-tau-pet
- http://alzimpact.org/Association=Applauds-CMS-Decision-to-Cover-PET-Imaging
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Families caring for elders need more than compassion. They need day programs to ensure support
Score 6.4
When Does Medicare Coverage Start?
Score 6.8
Jay Leno gives rare update on ‘challenge’ of caretaking for wife Mavis after her dementia diagnosis
Score 7.6
ICE and DOGE seek sensitive data in crackdown on illegal immigration, waste: report
Score 6.2