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.

ACO accountable care coordination shared savings

Radiologist participation in Medicare ACOs is surging, and late comers must take notice

Rad involvement in these value-minded care-coordination efforts leapt threefold, preparing members of the specialty to take on downside risk while strengthening bonds with hospital partners.

Delaying rule to fast-track breakthrough devices only ‘kicks the can down the road,' imaging advocate says

CMS recently postponed the go-live date of the Medicare Coverage Innovative Technology rule for the second time.

FDA issues final guidance for assessing medical device safety, compatibility in MRI rooms

The 32-page document covers everything from implanted devices to those fastened or carried by patients, such as external insulin pumps and pulse oximeters.

Administration postpones Trump-era rule to grant faster Medicare coverage for 'breakthrough' devices

The final rule would eliminate lag time between the FDA approving new technology and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services paying for it.

Radiologists support bipartisan proposal to quash prior authorization red tape in Medicare Advantage

Representatives recently introduced the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act in the U.S. House, drawing support from the ACR, Medical Group Management Association and others.

American College of Radiology urges Biden administration to fix holes in surprise billing legislation

The college is concerned gray areas in the No Surprises Act give health insurers leeway “that could be used as leverage to disrupt good-faith negotiations.”

Biden administration reverses Trump-era healthcare discrimination rule

The Department of Health and Human Services has overturned a Trump-era rule that would have allowed healthcare providers to discriminate against patients based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Radiologist running to become 1st female physician in the US Senate

The breast imaging specialist recently threw her hat into the ring for next year’s Democratic race for U.S. Senate in Wisconsin.

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