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.

High copays keep many heart failure patients from filling needed prescriptions

Researchers examined data from more than 900 patients, presenting their findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

doctor fruits vegetables vegetarian diet

Cardiologist urges physicians to promote plant-based diets: ‘We owe it to the profession, our patients and the planet’

The authors of a new commentary in the American Journal of Cardiology argued that well-balanced plant-based diets are good for the heart and good for society as a whole.

Regulatory Roundup: Updates on Medtronic and LivaNova recalls, FDA-cleared AI models, a new heart valve and more

Read our recap of some of the biggest FDA-related stories that impacted cardiology in the last month.

Sustainability emerges as a prevalent theme at RSNA 2022

Sustainability might not have been the official theme of RSNA 2022, but it was a prevalent topic among vendors, attendees and presenters.

Follow-up recommendations after abnormal mammograms often ignored due to high deductibles

Although the Affordable Care Act eliminated OOP costs for screening mammograms under most insurance plans, that coverage does not carry over to the additional exams that are needed when abnormal findings are uncovered.

CMS issues workplace violence memorandum for hospitals

CMS has fined hospitals in the past for failing to meet the standards of safe settings under the Medicare Hospital Conditions of Participation.

The American Hospital Association (AMA) is warning healthcare systems the Russians may attempt cyber attacks amid rising tensions of the war in Ukraine and the international community's response. #Ukraine #warinukraine #ukrainewar

Simple steps radiology leaders can take to fight back against ransomware

Ransomware is a growing problem for healthcare providers. At RSNA 2022, two experts examined how leaders can protect their teams and their facilities.

Many providers remain underinformed about increased cancer risks associated with breast density

JoAnn Pushkin, breast cancer survivor and executive director of DenseBreast-info.org, sounded the alarm on the lack of awareness surrounding breast density and its associated cancer risks during a presentation at this year’s annual RSNA meeting.

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