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.

AI algorithm that diagnoses depression from MRI scans gains key regulatory approval
Experts are hopeful the software can bring more objectivity to the diagnostic process by giving providers visual evidence of alterations in brain activity.
Software glitch triggers FDA recall of nearly 2,000 GE SPECT and CT systems
According to the notification, the issue can cause the scanners to inadvertently move during imaging.
CMS proposes Medicare coverage for renal denervation
This proposal, if finalized, would dramatically increase patient access to renal denervation. Both Recor Medical and Medtronic have shared their excitement over the news.
AI-enabled coronary plaque evaluations included in new RBM guidelines
The use of advanced AI software to assess CCTA images continues to gain more momentum.
Senator, 100 health groups sound alarm after ‘abrupt’ cancellation of USPSTF meeting
The influential task force dictates whether health insurers must cover preventive services such as mammograms and low-dose CT lung exams, which some say could be in jeopardy.

CMS pausing claims with Congress expected to address Medicare payment cuts soon

The move comes after the Senate recently passed a fix to address the 2% Medicare sequester reduction set to take hold April 1.

Medical liability insurance premiums see highest uptick in 15 years, placing practices in peril, docs say

Increases held steady over the past decade, but leapt during the height of the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, the American Medical Association reported.

Senate passes bill to avert ‘devastating’ upcoming physician payment cuts in Medicare

The American College of Radiology and several other imaging groups recently urged lawmakers to address reductions that would total $12B in 2021.

National guidance recommending CTC for colorectal cancer screening sparked 50% jump in utilization

The Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute analyzed claims data from more than 31 million individuals over a nine-year period for their study, published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine.

Controversial radiologist Scott Atlas still dispensing COVID-19 advice in Florida

“There’s no evidence that a mask mandate has worked,” the Stanford fellow and former White House advisor said during a recent panel discussion.

Imaging advocates continue fight against Medicare cuts as House takes first key step

SNMMI, the Center for Diagnostic Imaging and the Radiology Business Management Association are urging Senate leaders to pass the bill before March ends.

Radiologists, other docs praise split Senate’s confirmation of Xavier Becerra as new HHS chief

Lawmakers voted 50-49 to move the California attorney general’s nomination forward, with Becerra now becoming the first Latino leader of the massive federal department.

Medicare must update lung cancer screening coverage to ensure access, ACR and others charge

Advocates called on CMS to open a National Coverage Determination reconsideration on the topic, according to a recent letter addressed to leaders atop the federal agency.

Policy & Regulations

AI algorithm that diagnoses depression from MRI scans gains key regulatory approval

Software glitch triggers FDA recall of nearly 2,000 GE SPECT and CT systems

CMS proposes Medicare coverage for renal denervation

AI-enabled coronary plaque evaluations included in new RBM guidelines

Senator, 100 health groups sound alarm after ‘abrupt’ cancellation of USPSTF meeting