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 recalls furloughed workers ahead of ACA open enrollment
Despite the ongoing government shutdown, some 3,000 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services staff will be returning to the office just in time for Americans to begin looking for health coverage on the Affordable Care Act marketplace. The agency said the employees will be paid for the days they work.
Anthem threatens hospitals who use out-of-network radiology providers
“When you thought insurers couldn’t get more evil, they come up with something even worse than you anticipated,” one physician said.
Medicare lifts hold on claim processing amid government shutdown
CMS announced Oct. 21 it has instructed all Medicare Administrative Contractors to lift the hold and begin processing claims dated Oct. 1 and later.
FDA clears AI solution for identifying large vessel occlusions on CTA
If left untreated, LVOs can cause ischemic strokes. The algorithm has the potential to significantly reduce time to treatment in these emergency scenarios.
Cardiology groups among the voices concerned about more medical device tariffs
When the Trump administration requested public input on adding more tariffs for PPE and all medical devices, hundreds of public comments were submitted. One common concern among those responses is that healthcare providers could be left with significantly higher costs.

House passes radiologist-backed bill to address burnout following physician’s suicide

The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act advanced in a 392-36 vote, with support from the ACR, AMA and numerous other provider groups.

Trio of hospice employees sentenced to federal prison in $40M Medicare scheme

Doctors allowed Bradley Harris, CEO of now-defunct Novus Health Services, to dispense medication "like candy," the Department of Justice said.

Senate finalizes radiologist relief from Medicare cuts, sending final bill to president

Absent congressional action, the American College of Radiology said such reductions would have threatened access to imaging and deepened disparities.

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.

Policy & Regulations

CMS recalls furloughed workers ahead of ACA open enrollment

Anthem threatens hospitals who use out-of-network radiology providers

Medicare lifts hold on claim processing amid government shutdown

FDA clears AI solution for identifying large vessel occlusions on CTA

Cardiology groups among the voices concerned about more medical device tariffs