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.

Why all heart patients should be vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19, RSV
The American College of Cardiology has shared new recommendations highlighting the protective benefits of a variety of vaccines. The new document, published in full in JACC, also examines how to speak with patients who are hesitant to be vaccinated.
Medicare has denied $16M worth of radiology artificial intelligence claims
The federal payment program first started paying for AI in 2018 and has denied about 53% of claims (or 53,857) submitted by radiologists since then, experts detail in JACR.
Members of Congress propose tapping foreign-born physicians to relieve radiology workforce shortages
Lawmakers in both chambers have reintroduced the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act, touting support from the American Hospital Association and several physician societies.
Medicare opts not to make CT radiation-related quality measure mandatory in 2027
The measure evaluates the proportion of scans that exceed certain thresholds for image noise or radiation dose across 18 categories.
Alphabet-owned Verily accused by whistleblower of misusing data from 25K patients
A former executive at Verily is suing the company, alleging he was fired after reporting the incidents to management. The misuses of data, if true, would constitute HIPAA violations.

Philips recalling MRI coils amid concern they could overheat and burn patients

The safety notice applies to the Sense XL 1.5T and 3T coils, which are 16-element, receive-only products used in imaging of the torso and abdomen.

AMA will aggressively support permanent telemedicine reimbursement

The American Medical Association said it will lobby for an indefinite extension of Medicare reimbursement for telemedicine services, fighting a Dec. 31, 2024, sunset date.

DOJ arrests 193 during nationwide crackdown on $2.75B in healthcare scams

The arrests include doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals accused of various schemes to defraud patients, insurers and Medicare.

Abbott’s HeartMate LVADs recalled again over screen issues—FDA highlights significant risks

Abbott has received multiple reports of its HeartMate monitor screens freezing, glitching and even displaying incorrect patient information. A total of 17 injuries have been reported so far.

MRI safety concerns prompt FDA to issue recall for series of ventilators

The Class I recall affects the ZOLL 731 Series Ventilator family, including the AEV, EMV+, and Eagle II models.

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CMS discounts dozens of drugs to thwart price hikes

Dozens of drugs are seeing price cuts that could save Medicare enrollees as much as $4,593 per day, CMS said.

Biden Administration lowers prices for 64 prescription drugs, including 3 prescribed by cardiologists

The new list of discounted drugs includes an anticoagulant, a beta-blocker used to treat atrial fibrillation and much more.

Federal judge strikes down HHS ban on tracking cookies

Providers argued the HHS overstepped its regulatory authority. A federal court in Texas agreed.

Policy & Regulations

Why all heart patients should be vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19, RSV

Medicare has denied $16M worth of radiology artificial intelligence claims

Members of Congress propose tapping foreign-born physicians to relieve radiology workforce shortages

Medicare opts not to make CT radiation-related quality measure mandatory in 2027

Alphabet-owned Verily accused by whistleblower of misusing data from 25K patients