my ENT just set up an appointment for a PET scan to be done in April. My insurance company requires a 'pre-approval' for such an expensive test. That's all fine, but what gets me is the approval comes from a 'vendor' named CareCore, radiology benefits management firm. Who's concerned about 'benefit rationing', 'death panels', or people who have never examined you making calls about your health care?

Here's what CareCore has to say from their website:

http://www.carecorenational.com/radiology-...

CareCore Radiology, a division of CareCore National, is the nation’s largest and fastest growing radiology benefits management firm. We have the industry's most extensive and current set of evidence-based criteria. Our quality and utilization managment programs provide health plans with comprehensive and robust tools to appropriately manage radiology benefits.

CareCore Radiology covers more than 30 million member subscribers in all 50 states. We work with each client to strategically identify opportunities to improve utilization and enhance quality through seamless solutions that integrate all aspects of patient-centered care.

CareCore Radiology manages benefits for advanced imaging such as magnetic resonance (MRI/MRA), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET) nuclear medicine and nuclear cardiology. We partner with each client to:

•Create a dynamic and responsive radiology management program
•Surpass management objectives
•Address provider and marketplace concerns
•Immediate impact on unit cost and inappropriate utilization of imaging services
•Target specific areas
•Increase the quality of service rendered to plan members