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.

HHS ‘dramatic restructuring’ begins as employees turned away by security
Mass firings on Tuesday led to thousands of workers at the CDC, FDA and NIH losing their jobs, including those working on public health initiatives and vaccine approvals.
Radiology-supported law change would tighten screws on prior authorization requests
The Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act of 2025 is endorsed by 30 trade groups including the Society of Interventional Radiology and MGMA.
Healthcare AI newswatch: Apple’s AI Doctor, AI’s expectant medical specialties, AI-watching teens, more
Apple’s AI Doctor had better be one good virtual physician.
California ballot measure named after Luigi Mangione lands on AG’s desk
The proposed “Luigi Mangione Access to Health Care Act,” named after the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, would make it illegal for insurance companies to deny necessary care to patients. The lawyer who proposed the measure said the controversial name was chosen to garner public attention.
Society of Interventional Radiology seeks to bolster research funding for the specialty
During their annual meeting being held this week in Nashville, the society announced the launch of the SIR Foundation Endowment.

Coverage is now available for new Alzheimer's drug

In a July 6 announcement, CMS shared that coverage is officially available for Leqembi for those who meet certain criteria.

President Biden cracks down on short-term health plans, calls them 'junk insurance'

The proposed rule would require that short-term plans are truly short-term and are active for just three months.

Billing claims for nonphysician image interpretation leapt 27% over a 5-year period

"Since several states are shifting toward granting NPPs more autonomy, this is something worth watching," the study's author told Radiology Business.

Industry Watcher’s Digest

Buzzworthy developments of the past few days.

Imaging AI vendors’ marketing hype doesn’t always match materials submitted to the FDA

About 1 in 8 were discovered to have marketing materials that made claims differing from their premarket approval.

American Medical Association issues CPT code for AI-based brain MRI software

Icometrix said the current procedural terminology code covers its FDA-cleared quantification software, “creating a path to reimbursement.”

Cost of healthcare expected to increase by 7% in 2024

The estimated increase is driven by multiple factors, including labor shortages, provider contract negotiations and rising drug prices.

FDA approves Abbott’s Aveir dual chamber (DR) leadless pacemaker system, the world’s very first dual chamber leadless pacing solution for treating patients with abnormal heart rhythms.

FDA approves world’s first dual-chamber leadless pacemaker system

The minimally invasive system is made up of two pacemakers that send signals back and forth to one another. One pacemaker is placed on the patient's right ventricle, and the other is placed on the patient's right atrium.

Policy & Regulations

HHS ‘dramatic restructuring’ begins as employees turned away by security

Radiology-supported law change would tighten screws on prior authorization requests

Healthcare AI newswatch: Apple’s AI Doctor, AI’s expectant medical specialties, AI-watching teens, more

California ballot measure named after Luigi Mangione lands on AG’s desk

Society of Interventional Radiology seeks to bolster research funding for the specialty