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.

More medical groups join push asking Congress to prevent $10B in cuts to imaging

Altogether, 53 organizations are now asking lawmakers for relief from changes to evaluation and management codes set to take effect Jan. 1, 2021.

CMS proposes value-based payment on prescription drugs

CMS has proposed a new rule that aims to enable value-based purchasing agreements across states with drug companies to bring down Medicaid drug prices.

Walmart acquires health management app CareZone

Walmart has expanded its digital health services by acquiring CareZone, a technology platform and mobile app that allows individuals and families to manage medicine and chronic disease.

Physicians estimate return to normal in August 2021

It will be more than a year for the U.S. healthcare industry to return to normal, with physicians expecting the new normal to be sometime around August 2021—once a vaccine for COVID-19 has been distributed.

HHS finalizes rule repealing Obama-era protections for trans patients

The rule eliminates provisions of a 2016 rule from the Obama administration that attempted to protect trans patients from discrimination.

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.

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