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.

Bipartisan lawmakers seek to increase funding for mobile CT lung cancer screening
The Mobile Cancer Screening Act would offer grants to help imaging providers purchase mobile CT screening units through the federal government.
Healthcare AI today: Pittsburgh’s bonanza, Bay area’s superstars, Dr. Google’s followers, more
The numbers from Pittsburgh are staggering. And they’re all about blasting American-made AI into the stratosphere, if not to Infinity and beyond.
Two insurers dominate most Medicare Advantage markets, report finds
Over 97% of all counties in the U.S. see high or very high levels of consolidation in Medicare Advantage markets, with UnitedHealthcare and Humana owning the most plans nationwide.
Steward sues former CEO over alleged pilfering that contributed to bankruptcy
Former Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre, MD, and other executives are accused in a $1.4 billion legal filing of paying themselves hundreds of millions of dollars in bonuses, despite the health system being insolvent.
FDA recalls real-time glucose monitors after 56 injuries
Receivers on active glucose monitors manufactured by Dexcom are reportedly failing to send alerts when a patient’s blood sugar levels are dangerously high or low. There have been no deaths linked to the malfunction.

Imaging groups request regulatory relief from in-person nuclear training during the pandemic

Those include the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging and American College of Radiology, which want a reprieve from training for imaging and localization studies until after the public health crisis.

Medical device company Vasoptic gains FDA clearance for new retinal imaging technology

Clinicians use the device to image blood flow dynamics during retinal exams, helping them spot age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusions.

Kaiser Permanente to return $500M in coronavirus aid

Kaiser Permanente is among a handful of major healthcare organizations that have promised to refund the government millions in aid meant to help health systems and hospitals deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cost of coronavirus tests varies, but high costs are exceptions

Reports of sky-high costs for coronavirus testing may be the exception, with the majority of testing being “relatively tame” in cost, according to an analysis by Axios.

FDA recalls brain scanning device citing potential for deadly error

As of June 1, 33 medical device reports have been identified, including 22 device malfunctions and 11 related to injuries.

Proposed national law would protect radiologists, other providers from ‘frivolous litigation’

The “Coronavirus Provider Protection Act” would shield physicians, nurses and others who have made “good faith” attempts to care for their community in recent months.

Trump promises to break US away from WHO

President Trump has stated he wants to terminate the United States’ relationship with the World Health Organization.

CVS facing lawsuit from six Blue Cross insurers

CVS Health has been accused of overcharging for generic medications in a new lawsuit brought forth by six Blue Cross Blue Shield plans.

Policy & Regulations

Bipartisan lawmakers seek to increase funding for mobile CT lung cancer screening

Healthcare AI today: Pittsburgh’s bonanza, Bay area’s superstars, Dr. Google’s followers, more

Two insurers dominate most Medicare Advantage markets, report finds

Steward sues former CEO over alleged pilfering that contributed to bankruptcy

FDA recalls real-time glucose monitors after 56 injuries