Policy & Regulations

This channel includes news coverage of healthcare policy and regulations set by Congress, the states, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and medical associations and societies. 

heart drugs with stethoscope

Prior authorization may reduce access to important heart failure drugs

Researchers noted that these requirements are more common for Black and Hispanic patients, creating a critical barrier to guideline-recommended care.

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) is urging federal policymakers to ensure physicians play a central role in guiding the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into clinical care, while also raising questions about liability as the technology expands across healthcare.

AI is transforming patient care—and cardiologists have a critical role to play

While the Trump administration is pushing to accelerate clinical AI adoption, SCAI has emphasized that physicians must guide how the technology is implemented and governed.

Selection of stent images captured with the MicroAngioscope from Vena Medical. Images courtesy of Kan et al. and Stroke.

FDA clears intravascular device billed as ‘world’s smallest camera’ as physicians share new data

The new device, which provides users with real-time images in full color, is now approved by the FDA to be used in the peripheral vasculature. Meanwhile, first-in-human data published in Stroke explored its potential in the cerebral vasculature. 

Anthem Elebance blue cross blue shield bcbs

Anthem expanding policy that punishes hospitals who use out-of-network radiologists

Meanwhile, docs have helped defeat the controversial policy's implementation in Indiana with the passage of Senate Bill 189. 

Aetna

Medicare Advantage fraud allegations against Aetna settled for nearly $118M

The U.S. Department of Justice said the insurer upcoded patient diagnoses to boost risk-adjusted payments it received from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The company did not admit to wrongdoing, despite agreeing to the payout. 

Toro Neurovascular Toro 88 Superbore Catheter

FDA clears new large-bore catheter for challenging stroke cases

The newly cleared device was built to provide support, trackability and stability during the treatment of time-sensitive stroke patients. 

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High costs may be keeping working-age heart patients from seeking care

When working-age adults develop cardiovascular disease, it often ends up eating up a significant amount of their income. Are insurance companies doing enough to help these patients? 

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FDA issues emergency alert after reports of 5 serious injuries connected to exploding cryoprobes

The devices are manufactured by Erbe USA. They’re used to deliver pressurized cold therapy to tumors, blood clots, and more. A manufacturing defect can cause a rupture, exposing anyone in the vicinity to a dangerous blast and deafening sound.