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. 

Medical malpractice gavel diagnostic error mistake stethoscope

Physician misses CT results on discharge summary, resulting in 2-year cancer diagnosis delay

"I am incredulous that I would not have done this immediately," the general practitioner wrote in a letter to the woman, according to the recently released results of an investigation. 

healthcare value value-based care money dollar

First 10 drugs chosen by White House for Medicare price negotiations include blood thinners, heart failure meds

Medicare enrollees paid a total of $3.4 billion in out-of-pocket costs for these drugs in 2022 alone, according to new data shared by the White House. 

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Another No Surprises Act win: Qualifying payment amount process was tilted in insurers’ favor, judge rules

“The ruling is a step toward an IDR process that is accessible, fair and efficient,” Jacqueline Bello, chair of the ACR Board of Chancellors, said Monday. 

Anthem

Imaging centers, Bon Secours Mercy Health sue insurer Anthem BCBS seeking $93M

The payer has allegedly engaged in “slow pay and no pay tactics," resulting in an "enormous" volume of claims being denied or downgraded.

Withings Body Scan Connected Health Station FDA cleared

FDA clears new smart scale capable of detecting AFib, other cardiovascular issues

The Body Scan Connected Health Station includes a high-strength glass platform with four weight sensors and 14 ITO electrodes and a retractable handle with four stainless steel electrodes.

Deferred testing for low-risk chest pain patients is safe, limits unnecessary catheterizations

Once physicians confirm a patient's CAD risk is low, they can feel comfortable putting diagnostic testing on hold. 

Cigna

Cigna is removing 25% of medical services from prior authorization, but none of them are in imaging

The health insurer has faced criticism over its use of PA, including a class action lawsuit alleging it denied claims for imaging and other healthcare services in bulk

The Medtronic Symplicity Spyral Renal Denervation system uses a catheter that curls in the renal artery to place radiofrequency electrodes against the vessel wall to ablate the nerves that control vasodilation, so the artery can be propped in the fully open position.

FDA panel votes not to endorse Medtronic renal denervation system

The vote was close, initially ending with a tie, but the panel ultimately decided there were too many questions related to the device's long-term benefits for patients with uncontrolled hypertension.