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.

Trump orders changes to Medicare drug price negotiations
President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Health and Human Services to work with Congress on changes to Medicare drug price negotiations, with the stated goal of further lowering prescription costs.
FDA approves leadless CRT device for heart failure
The WiSE CRT system is approximately the size of a single cooked grain of rice. It works with a patient’s existing implant to provide biventricular pacing.
FDA clears AI-powered echocardiography software
HeartFocus guides users through the entire process, making it so that even novices can deliver high-quality echocardiograms every time.
American College of Radiology criticizes prominent study claiming CT imaging causes cancer
“These estimates put CT scanning on par with other well-known risk factors for cancer, including alcohol and obesity," experts write in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Edwards Lifesciences announces key approval for new mitral valve replacement system
The Sapien M3 device was designed to treat symptomatic mitral regurgitation in patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery or transcatheter edge-to-edge repair.

Odds of inappropriate MRI referral jump 20% after physicians transition to hospital-backed employment

Additionally, after a provider moved away from an independently owned practice, patients' probability of an MRI referral overall jumped by 31%.

FDA switching to electronic billing for Mammography Quality Standards Act inspections

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in late April started sending breast imaging providers fee invoices via email for their annual inspections.

COVID-19 congress coronavirus Washington

Radiologists ask Congress for $3B to offset looming cuts in Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

In a letter to lawmakers, 63 medical groups said the pandemic continues to challenge physician practices.

Bill would bolster coverage of interventional radiology services to help Americans avoid amputations

Lawmakers recently introduced the Amputation Reduction and Compassion Act in the House, with bipartisan backing and support from the Society of Interventional Radiology.

Hospital can’t be held liable after outside radiologist misses left-behind sponges, court rules

A three-judge panel sided with Jewish Hospital, charging that the Louisville, Kentucky, institution did not have control over a contracted rad's actions.

Congress members want screws tightened on radiology providers who ignore price transparency rule

The legislation requires hospitals to provide upfront pricing for certain “shoppable” services, including 13 specified imaging exams.

Congress averts Medicare cuts set to hit radiologists, sending final bill to president

The U.S. House finalized legislation in a 384-38 vote, drawing praise from the American Medical Association and other provider groups.

Lawmakers blast ‘flawed’ CMS reimbursement policy for diagnostic imaging drugs

Two U.S. congressmen are urging the federal agency to modify its reimbursement methodology for radiopharmaceuticals to improve patient access.

Policy & Regulations

Trump orders changes to Medicare drug price negotiations

FDA approves leadless CRT device for heart failure

FDA clears AI-powered echocardiography software

American College of Radiology criticizes prominent study claiming CT imaging causes cancer

Edwards Lifesciences announces key approval for new mitral valve replacement system