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.

Lawmakers propose allowing radiologists to own hospitals, drawing ire from hospital lobby
“Patients should have the freedom to choose the highest quality care available, and physicians should be allowed to provide it,” said Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas.
VA halts mass layoffs, still shedding 30,000 jobs by 2026
Veterans Affairs said plans to reduce its workforce by 85,000 have been called off. It has instead undertaken other efforts to improve efficiency. As for the 30,000 jobs it expects to lose by the end of 2025, those will come from early retirements
Doctor arrested for $5.2M fraud linked to using medical ozone gas on patients
Jawad Bhatti, MD is facing a 26-count indictment from the U.S. Department of Justice after he allegedly advertised the use of ozone gas as a treatment for pain, then billed Medicare and Medicaid for the unapproved procedures.
FDA grants breakthrough therapy designation to new drug candidate for FA cardiomyopathy
The new drug, LX2006, has already received the FDA's fast track designation. This latest distinction was based on early data from two separate clinical trials.
AMA trustee says the U.S. healthcare system is in a state of crisis
“We are in a crisis with healthcare research, administrative burdens, and with payment. Access for our patients is hurt," said American Medical Association (AMA) Board of Trustees member Scott Ferguson, MD, FACR.

'Burdensome' Medicare Advantage prior authorization requirements cause delays or denials at 97% of practices

A new Medical Group Management Association report details how the problematic policies are negatively impacting patient care.

CDC director announces her resignation from the agency

News of the CDC director’s departure comes on the same day as an announcement made by the World Health Organization declaring the end of the COVID global health emergency.

RadNet, cancer care advocates praise passage of bills to boost imaging coverage

The policy changes forbid insurers from saddling patients with out-of-pocket costs for services associated with lung and breast cancer.

healthcare value value-based care money dollar

ACR shares ‘concern’ after CMS yanks coverage for certain exams, retroactive to 2019

The college believes the move will sow confusion and is asking the agency to rescind its noncoverage determination.

Industry Watcher’s Digest

Buzzworthy developments of the past few days.

Radiologists propose resolution to protect specialty from prosecution in states that ban abortion

Twenty-five state societies have voiced their support for the proposal, being presented at the 2023 ACR Annual Meeting in D.C.

breast radiologist breast cancer mammography

American College of Radiology releases new breast cancer screening guidelines

“These evidence-based updates should spur more-informed doctor-patient conversations and help providers save more lives," the document's lead author said.

New CMS code could pave the way for coverage of virtual reality-based treatments

The determination places the device under the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) benefit category.

Policy & Regulations

Lawmakers propose allowing radiologists to own hospitals, drawing ire from hospital lobby

VA halts mass layoffs, still shedding 30,000 jobs by 2026

Doctor arrested for $5.2M fraud linked to using medical ozone gas on patients

FDA grants breakthrough therapy designation to new drug candidate for FA cardiomyopathy

AMA trustee says the U.S. healthcare system is in a state of crisis