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.

AMA releases 2022 updates to medical coding

The American Medical Association has released its 2022 updates to the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set.

Radiologists fear scope creep, pressing societies to oppose MARCA bill granting rad assistants more sway

The Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act has divided members of the specialty, with some arguing that RAs could help free up physicians to concentrate on complex or urgent cases.

CMS delays enforcement of key provision in No Surprises Act, drawing radiologist support

The agency was set to start requiring physicians to work with payers to provide an upfront "explanation of benefits," but will hold off on the change following a backlash.

District of Columbia DC congress capitol hill

Imaging advocates, bipartisan lawmakers unite to oppose ‘misguided and massive’ Medicare pay cuts

Congressmen highlighted a planned wage increase for clinical labor that will spell 20% reductions elsewhere, due to budget neutrality.

Healthcare orgs given extra time to comply with price transparency

The Biden administration has given healthcare organizations extra time to comply with a price transparency rule.

quality imaging appropriateness clinical decision support CAS AUC

Quality experts urge CMS to fold imaging Appropriate Use Criteria Program into other value initiatives

After years of delays, the initiative's usefulness has "diminished significantly," imaging leaders from several noted institutions wrote in Health Affairs.

ACR stays neutral on bill granting Medicare coverage for radiology assistant services in all settings

Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., introduced the Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2021 in the Senate earlier this month, drawing rad tech support.

$4.1B savings for Medicare thanks to shared savings program

Medicare’s Shared Savings Program (MSSP) saw its best financial performance in 2020, with 513 participating ACOs saving the CMS more than $4 billion gross and almost $2 billion net.

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