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.

FTC halts case against PBMs, citing lack of commissioners
The FTC has put its price collusion case against CVS Caremark, Optum Rx and Express Scripts on hold after significant staff departures at the agency left it uncertain how to proceed
Dr. Oz confirmed by Senate to lead CMS in a 53-45 vote
The confirmation vote mostly fell on party lines. The Emmy-award-winning TV personality will replace Chiquita W. Brooks-LaSure, who has held the position since 2021.
Quality of care for heart patients does not improve in first year of ACO participation
Researchers tracked patient outcomes through the use of 15 performance measures related to hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
Bill that would require providers report extravasations of radioactive drugs is back on the House floor
Patient advocacy groups say the proposal "is common-sense legislation that will protect patients."
Patients eligible for both breast and lung cancer screening are getting mammograms while ditching low-dose CT in droves
This finding underlines the need for interventions to increase LCS awareness and address common barriers such as confusing eligibility criteria.

American College of Radiology, patient advocacy groups urge feds to fix CTC coverage gap

ACR and others have submitted a formal national coverage determination request, asking the agency to address payment gaps for virtual colonoscopies.

District of Columbia DC congress capitol hill

CMS delays start of Radiation Oncology Alternative Payment Model yet again

The mandatory bundled payment initiative was slated to kick off Jan. 1, 2023, following numerous delays, but will now launch on a to-be-determined date.

FDA clears Aidoc artificial intelligence solution for flagging suspected brain aneurysm cases

This marks the ninth 510(k) clearance for the company, which has offices in Israel and New York, and second in the past 10 days.

UnitedHealth, Change Healthcare extend merger agreement, adding $650M breakup fee if DOJ suit prevails

The two companies said the agreement reflects their commitment to combining and desire to fight the Department of Justice's "meritless legal challenge to this merger."

Patients' T-shirt size an accurate measurement for CT dose reference levels

Experts suggest that their findings indicate dose reference levels could be shirt size specific in the not so distant future, according to a study published in the European Journal of Radiology.

Joint replacements significantly increase radiation exposure to interventionalists

Experts urged physicians to take extra protective measures when in the presence of metal protheses during procedures and to be vigilant in shielding their eyes from additional exposure.

Radiologist faces charges for allegedly recording up the skirts of 36 women

The New York state radiologist is facing 36 misdemeanor counts for secret sexual recording without consent, according to a story in the Boston Herald.

FDA issues safety warning for iodinated contrast media use in children

The communication cited concerns of thyroid dysfunction in pediatric patients after administering the imaging agent.

Policy & Regulations

FTC halts case against PBMs, citing lack of commissioners

Dr. Oz confirmed by Senate to lead CMS in a 53-45 vote

Quality of care for heart patients does not improve in first year of ACO participation

Bill that would require providers report extravasations of radioactive drugs is back on the House floor

Patients eligible for both breast and lung cancer screening are getting mammograms while ditching low-dose CT in droves