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COVID-19 Update: Mo-99, Spring Programs

Dear Colleagues, 
I know you are receiving a steady stream of messages about COVID-19 as everyone in the medical community unites to protect the health and safety of their constituents. ASNC is no exception. We are closely monitoring the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, and have decided to cancel all of our live spring programs. I will outline our path forward later in this letter. First, and always, we are focusing on the issue that could affect our ability to care for patients.
Mo-99 Supply 
Anticipating the effect that COVID-19 could have on the transport of Mo-99 from Europe and elsewhere, ASNC is staying in close contact with our industry partners. They shared that they view the situation as fluid and emphasized that they are working to continually assess the possible impacts of the travel bans on delivery of the radiopharmaceuticals needed for cardiac imaging. At this time, no expected supply shortages have been reported, and the industry is exploring all options to ensure continued reliability. ASNC will remain in close contact with our industry partners and keep you updated.

ASNC's Spring Programs 
While we were looking forward to connecting with you at ASNC programs this spring, we recognize that you are needed at your practices and hospitals. Thus, we have canceled all of the live educational programs that were scheduled to convene from now through May 31.

Specifically, we are canceling: 
  • Cardiac PET Intensive Workshop (originally slated for May 7-8);
  • Nuclear Cardiology and Cardiac CT for Fellows-in-Training at ACC.20;
  • Cardiac Amyloidosis: On the Road programs in South Florida and Houston;
  • Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Cardiac Primer; and
  • Nuclear Cardiology Today and Nuclear Cardiology TodayTechnologists Workshop.
If you were registered for any of these programs, please watch for refunds and documentation to use when you cancel airline and other travel accommodations.

The ASNC team is assessing alternative formats for offering these and other programs in the future. For now, however, we recognize that all of your energy must be focused on taking care of your patients, your teams and yourselves. We are adopting a Support, Not Distract approach and thus will not be offering these programs in virtual or other formats until after the COVID-19 crisis passes. 
Going Forward
In the spirit of supporting you, we will deliver information and offer opportunities for our community to share knowledge and insights on issues relevant to the challenges we are facing—for example, updates on the Mo-99 supply; information from the CDC, WHO, CMS, FDA, and other bodies; suggestions for telecardiology implementation; and guidance on workflow, prior authorization and reimbursement with regard to COVID-19.

I also want to assure you that we are taking steps to ensure that our ASNC staff are protected. They are taking precautions to reduce contagion and have contingency plans for working from their homes as needed. They also are in constant communication with the ASNC leadership and are continuing to advance our mission. 

Finally, please know that ASNC appreciates you and the important work you are doing during this difficult time. We wish you well and will support you in every way we can. 
Best regards, 
Sharmila Dorbala, MD, MPH, FASNC
President, ASNC

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