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.

ACR Association announces winners of grants to fight nonphysician scope of practice gains

The funds will go to local radiological societies in Kansas, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin to aid in advocacy efforts.

Surgeon General issues warning over youth mental health crisis

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy issued a public health emergency on the mental health crisis among the nation's youth.

UnitedHealth must pay doctors $60M after losing lawsuit against TeamHealth

A UHC spokesperson said the insurance giant is planning an "immediate" appeal.

COVID-19 congress coronavirus Washington

Congress reaches bipartisan deal to blunt Medicare cuts, drawing praise from radiology advocates

“A pandemic is not the time to be cutting access to doctors for patients on Medicare,” said Rep. Kim Schrier, MD, D-Wash.

American Heart Association supports new ‘surprise billing’ legislation, but physician groups have serious doubts

According to the AHA, the No Surprises Act will "make a truly meaningful difference" to millions of patients. Physicians, on the other hand, have shared significant concerns about the legislation.

Lawmakers pressure congressional leaders to fix clinical labor update set to stifle radiologist pay

Advocates have said these changes would necessitate “massive” pay reductions, with interventional radiologists and radiation oncologists bearing the brunt.

District of Columbia DC congress capitol hill

Radiology advocates express dismay after stopgap spending bill fails to address specialty’s concerns

The measure to extend funding through Feb. 18 does not include any of the changes championed by physicians.

Radiology research publications see marked increase thanks to resident-managed peer mentor program

Research publications by radiologists increased by 167% during the second year of the mentorship program, doctors at West Virginia University reported.

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