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FTC shuts down alleged health insurance fraud scheme involving the sale of low-quality plans

The owners of several telemarketing companies, along with the organizations themselves, have been named as defendants in a federal lawsuit. The Federal Trade Commission alleges that the group would sell bundled services as supposed “PPO” plans, leaving patients to discover that services were not covered. 

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Prime places to work as a nurse in 2026

Like a mirror image on a USA map folded in half vertically, the four best states for nurses are two nextdoor neighbors in the upper Northeast and two in the Pacific Northwest. 

Example of a RF burn from an MRI scan where a sedated patient's identification bracelet was touching their skin during an exam. Image courtesy of RSNA. https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/10.1148/radiol.09090637
FDA: CVS and MediHoney wound gels recalled after 14 serious injuries

The wound and burn gels are manufactured by Integra LifeSciences. Defective packaging could cause the sterile barrier to fail, exposing the gels to pathogens. Due to the risk of severe infections, all recalled products must be removed from where they are used and sold. 

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5 reasons not to (solely) blame insurance companies for what ails US healthcare

As this midterm-election year barrels toward decision day, health insurers continue taking punches from both political parties. The piling-on might be as unfair as it is understandable.  

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Popular weight loss drug linked to key benefits for patients undergoing TAVR, PCI

Two separate studies explored the value of treating heart patients with tirzepatide. 

Emily Lau, MD, MPH, Director, Women's Heart Health Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital, presented new data at ACC 2026 showing only 8% of high-risk pregnant patients receive guideline-recommended low-dose aspirin to prevent preeclampsia.
Many high-risk pregnant patients still miss out on guideline-recommended care

The percentage of pregnant patients taking low-dose aspirin as recommended is slowly rising—but there is still a long way to go.

Eugene Branwald, MD
‘Father of modern cardiology’ Eugene Braunwald dies at 96

Colleagues from all over the world have shared loving tributes to Braunwald. ESC President Thomas F. Lüscher, MD, called him "the pioneering cardiologist of his time."

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Medicare and FDA propose granting rapid coverage for breakthrough radiology devices

The two agencies on April 23 announced the rollout of the Regulatory Alignment for Predictable and Immediate Device, or RAPID, coverage pathway. 

U.S. FDA Sign
FDA, CMS unveil rapid Medicare coverage pathway for critical medical devices

Prior to the new “RAPID” program announced on Thursday, it could take a year or more for Breakthrough-designated medical devices to earn approval for Medicare coverage. Now regulators say that timeline could be reduced to as little as two months.

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure
First bedside procedure of its kind performed by traveling clinicians on premature infant

The 22-week-old patient was successfully treated by a traveling cardiologist—all without being transported to the cath lab.

Harmony Reynolds, MD, FACC, director of the cardiovascular clinical research center at NYU Langone Health, presented a study at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2026 meeting using coronary optical coherence tomography (OCT) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine sex differences in underlying causes of myocardial infarction with no obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA).
Researchers use multi-modality imaging to learn more about MINOCA

The combination of OCT and MRI can help provide an improved sense of clarity when managing MINOCA patients, according to new data presented at ACC.26 in New Orleans.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted market clearance for Biotronik's Acticor Sky and Rivacor Sky implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) systems. The new technology will be launches at the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) annual meeting this week. #HRS2026
FDA approves 2 implantable heart devices from Biotronik

These devices were built to provide better patient data and improve clinician workflows. They will be on display at Heart Rhythm 2026 in Chicago. 

Around the web

Health Exec
FTC shuts down alleged health insurance fraud scheme involving the sale of low-quality plans

The owners of several telemarketing companies, along with the organizations themselves, have been named as defendants in a federal lawsuit. The Federal Trade Commission alleges that the group would sell bundled services as supposed “PPO” plans, leaving patients to discover that services were not covered. 

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