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.

Senator Susan Collins joins fight against ‘devastating’ CMS pay cuts to radiology

The long-tenured lawmaker voiced her support for the physician community in a letter to Mitch McConnell and other Senate leaders.

Politician under fire for calling radiologists redundant, comparing profession to grocery store cashiers

The comments have ignited controversy among local physicians, who have asked the finance official for a meeting to discuss his remarks.

American College of Radiology proposes two new imaging-related CPT codes

If approved by the American Medical Association's editorial panel, one revision could go into effect as soon as July 1.

Professional associations encircle CMS over 2021 Medicare fee schedule

Close to 50 medical organizations representing 1.4 million physicians and other clinicians are pressing CMS to amend the physician fee schedule (PFS) the agency has proposed for Medicare in 2021.

Physician lawmaker introduces bipartisan bill to avert $450M in forthcoming Medicare cuts to radiology

Rep. Michael Burgess, MD, R-Texas, is proposing to temporarily waive budget neutrality requirements for one year under the MPFS.

Playing the percentages on face masks: 5 points to ponder

Around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, words have occasionally led to blows over people in public not wearing face masks. Then too, fisticuffs have erupted over people in public wearing face masks.

50% of radiology practices plan to reduce staffing if ‘catastrophic’ Medicare cuts move forward in 2021

Another 82% said they expect reimbursement reductions will result in decreased imaging access for patients, according to a new survey.

Initiative aims to leverage technology in mitigating healthcare disparities

AI is a key part of the plan as two groups with little in common come together over health disparities that have only been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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