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.

Private equity radiology investor reaches agreement with FTC over alleged anticompetitive tactics
US Radiology Specialists backer Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe blasted the proposed order Friday, labeling it as symbolic and politically motivated.
DEA wants to permanently anchor some COVID-era prescription regulations
The Drug Enforcement Administration is proposing the adoption of some COVID-era prescription practices around certain controlled substances. The agency published a framework to guide any such changes Jan. 17.
FDA regulator examines AI's growing influence in cardiology
Stephen Browning, the FDA's assistant director of hemodynamics and heart failure diagnostics, spoke with Cardiovascular Business about the agency's perspective on AI-enabled cardiovascular devices and many other topics.
Congressional Medicare advisors recommend tying radiologist pay increases to inflation
The American Medical Association this week criticized cuts to physician pay, while Medicare Advantage plans are slated to see a 4.33% boost.
Industry Watcher’s Digest
HHS isn’t waiting to see what its incoming secretary does before filling some key leadership positions.

4 key takeaways from a new report on sports-related concussions

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its guidance on caring for children and adolescents with sports-related concussions (SRCs), publishing the latest version in the December issue of Pediatrics.

Envision renews contract with UnitedHealthcare after billing practices battle

After months of back-and-forth, Envision Healthcare has renewed its contract with UnitedHealthcare.

Breast cancer screening guideline from Canadian group emphasizes shared decision-making

The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care has issued updated breast cancer screening recommendations for women ages 40 to 74 who are not at an elevated risk, publishing them in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. The new guideline emphasizes the importance of women making screening decisions with their healthcare providers.

MITA, patient advocates urge lawmakers to repeal medical device tax by end of 2018

The Right Scan Right Time patient and survivor community network of the Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance (MITA) met with Senators at Capitol Hill last week urging for permanent repeal of the medical device tax, according to a recent MITA news release.

Patient group pushes U.S. Senate to permanently repeal medical device tax

Members of Right Scan Right Time, a patient and survivor group managed by the Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA), flew to Capitol Hill last week to push for the permanent repeal of the medical device tax.

Growth in U.S. healthcare spending slowed in 2017

National health spending grew by 3.9 percent in 2017, about 1 percent slower growth than the previous year, according to the Office of the Actuary at CMS. Total healthcare spending reached $3.5 trillion in 2017, or $10,739 per person.

Consumers worry about hospital mergers

It’s no secret the healthcare industry is undergoing massive consolidation, and hospital mergers and acquisitions are a concern among more than 60 percent of American adults, according to a new survey.

Hospital groups launch suit against HHS

Hospital groups have launched a lawsuit against HHS over its new outpatient prospective payment system rule, which was finalized in November.

Policy & Regulations

Private equity radiology investor reaches agreement with FTC over alleged anticompetitive tactics

DEA wants to permanently anchor some COVID-era prescription regulations

FDA regulator examines AI's growing influence in cardiology

Congressional Medicare advisors recommend tying radiologist pay increases to inflation

Industry Watcher’s Digest