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.

Johnson & Johnson gains CE mark approval for catheter capable of radiofrequency, PFA ablation
A new catheter from Johnson & Johnson MedTech is now approved to treat cardiac arrhythmias in Europe. Could FDA approval be on the horizon?
UnitedHealth, Amedisys ask federal judge to dismiss DOJ lawsuit blocking $3.3B merger
The companies argue that the U.S. Department of Justice has failed to adequately demonstrate how, and in which regions of the country, the merger would harm competition. They are asking a federal court to throw out the case.
Practice managers demand ‘immediate action’ on physician Medicare pay cut
The Medical Group Management Association made its demands in a letter to newly appointed leaders in the U.S. House and Senate sent Tuesday.
Healthcare private equity reporting act signed into law by Mass. governor
The new law will require private equity firms to make disclosures related to organizational structure and finances if they intend to operate a medical facility or provider organization in the state.
Compensation rising for cardiology APPs as they get more involved in patient care
Advanced practice providers continue to play a significant role in cardiology, helping care teams overcome the challenges brought on by an ongoing physician shortage, declining reimbursements and an aging population.

FDA to begin regulating some imaging agents as devices after losing court battle

Industry watchers labeled the transition as significant, since bringing new devices to market is much cheaper than pharmaceuticals.

August 10, 2021

Senators introduce bipartisan bill bolstering Medicare patients’ access to diagnostic imaging agents

Representatives also introduced the Facilitating Innovation Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2021 in the U.S. House in July.

August 5, 2021

CMS pulls about-face, revoking ‘unexpected’ new barriers to PET imaging payment

The Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging says the feds appear to have reconsidered a controversial recent decision.

August 5, 2021

DOJ considering lawsuit to block UnitedHealth’s $13B deal with Change Healthcare

Speculation that the Department of Justice could get involved first surfaced back in March.

August 4, 2021

Radiologists express ‘serious concerns’ with new national practice standards superseding state laws

ACR, the American Society of Neuroradiology and others believe the VA's efforts will have implications beyond the massive healthcare system.

August 2, 2021

State urges patients to seek 2nd opinions, alleging imaging facility posed ‘serious risk to human health’

Officials issued an emergency order halting mammography at Hoffman MRI, but the practice allegedly continued imaging dozens of patients.

July 29, 2021

Medicare improves racial healthcare inequities

Medicare is associated with reductions in racial and ethnic disparities in insurance coverage, access to care and self-reported health across the U.S., according to a new study published in JAMA.

July 28, 2021

District of Columbia DC congress capitol hill

American College of Radiology leads push to extend Medicare pay protections through 2023

A temporary 3.75% pay increase, enacted to soften the blow of budget neutrality requirements, is set to expire on Jan. 1.

July 27, 2021

Policy & Regulations

Johnson & Johnson gains CE mark approval for catheter capable of radiofrequency, PFA ablation

UnitedHealth, Amedisys ask federal judge to dismiss DOJ lawsuit blocking $3.3B merger

Practice managers demand ‘immediate action’ on physician Medicare pay cut

Healthcare private equity reporting act signed into law by Mass. governor

Compensation rising for cardiology APPs as they get more involved in patient care