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.

CMS boosts Medicare Advantage reimbursement as Dr. Oz takes over
CMS more than doubled the raise in payments for covered services proposed by Biden, increasing the amount from 2.23% to 5.06%.
Judge halts HHS’s $11B cuts to state healthcare programs
In issuing an injunction, a federal district court in Rhode Island ruled that states and their populations would suffer irreparable harm if the funds allocated by Congress were not granted to them.
Medicare Advantage fails to cut radiation therapy costs, despite heavy prior authorization burden
MA cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy tallied higher spending and longer average treatment duration compared to their counterparts on traditional Medicare.
Medicare instructs contractors to begin covering CT colorectal cancer screening
CMS emphasized that all coinsurance and deductibles should be waived for the exam, noting that MACs have until July 1 to comply with the change.
Rural America lost 3,300 medical practices in five years, report shows
A data analysis from the Physicians Advocacy Institute and Avalere Health found corporate buyouts are leaving patients in low-population areas with fewer options, as doctors are opting to go elsewhere.

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.

Radiology practice dodges $187,000 malpractice payout after hospital partner had sought indemnity

The Indiana Court of Appeals recently sided with Lake Imaging, agreeing that the Medical Malpractice Act and its statute of limitations also apply to provider relationships.

Policy & Regulations

CMS boosts Medicare Advantage reimbursement as Dr. Oz takes over

Judge halts HHS’s $11B cuts to state healthcare programs

Medicare Advantage fails to cut radiation therapy costs, despite heavy prior authorization burden

Medicare instructs contractors to begin covering CT colorectal cancer screening

Rural America lost 3,300 medical practices in five years, report shows