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.

Dexcom issues new recall for CGM apps due to safety risk—users urged to update immediately
The FDA has categorized this as a Class I recall. If patients update their phone or watch apps as needed, they can continue to use these devices like normal.
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 guidance 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.

Radiologists capture growing market share for key interventional procedure while cardiologists lose ground

Among Medicare beneficiaries, there was a marked drop in the delivery of percutaneous renal artery angioplasty, used to treat a narrowed artery, between 2010 and 2018.

Imaging advocates urge feds to fix PET coverage gap following approval of new Alzheimer’s drug

CMS intends to soon propose a new national coverage determination that would loosen restrictions around PET payment, according to a report published Monday.

Members of Congress introduce bill requiring all Medicaid programs to cover lung cancer screening

H.R. 4286 also would expand coverage for tobacco cessation in the federal payment program, including counseling and medication-assisted treatment.

Closing the coverage gap: How to empower patients in mammography

Radiology Business Management Association President Kit Crancer discusses the current coverage landscape for women's imaging and one promising national development.

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.

Policy & Regulations

Dexcom issues new recall for CGM apps due to safety risk—users urged to update immediately

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