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.

State grants radiologists immunity from lawsuits, deploys boat-based imaging amid pandemic

New York is taking dramatic steps to slow the spread of COVID-19, including granting radiologists and other providers immunity from civil liability claims for injury or death during the response.

Imaging leaders ‘highly concerned’ about dwindling supplies during pandemic

Several radiology-related societies are worried their members are in danger in their daily work, and are asking the White House for help.

HHS grants $100M to healthcare systems

HHS’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response has granted $100 million to help healthcare systems prepare for a surge of COVID- patients.

ACR wants CMS to delay radiation oncology model amid current pandemic

Chief executive William Thorwarth Jr., MD, requested a six-month delay, pushing back implementation to Jan. 1, 2021, "at the earliest."

Nearly half of states have approved Medicaid waivers during coronavirus crisis

A total of 23 states have received approved section 1135 waivers for their Medicaid programs from CMS as they deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health insurance premiums could soar after coronavirus

The new coronavirus could have long-lasting impacts on the economy and health insurance, potentially ballooning premiums next year, according to a new report from Covered California, the health insurance marketplace in California.

$2T stimulus package includes healthcare help

The White House and Senate have reached a deal for a stimulus package worth about $2 trillion, with help coming to hospitals and healthcare providers dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak.

Kaiser Permanente cancels plans to build new $900M headquarters

Kaiser Permanente, the nonprofit health system based in California, has canceled its plans to build new headquarters expected to cost $900 million.

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