The American Society of Radiologic Technologists joined the chorus of advocates asking for help keeping its members safe while treating a surge of patients afflicted by COVID-19. 

Health insurance giant Cigna has expanded its collaboration with Cricket Health, a kidney care provider, to use a machine learning algorithm that identifies Cigna customers with or at risk for developing late-stage chronic kidney disease. Cigna is a major investor in Cricket Health, committing $24 million in a Series A funding round in 2018.

Eleven more states are following the lead of Florida and Washington in applying for Section 1135 Medicaid waivers to be granted more flexibility in dealing with the spread of the new coronavirus, COVID-19.

A recent poll from the Medical Group Management Association found that a staggering 89% of practice leaders are facing a shortage of such PPE. 

A patient who sought treatment for coronavirus symptoms in late February was left with a medical bill of $34,927.43 for testing and treatment.

CMS is providing exceptions from Medicare reporting requirements as well as extensions for clinicians and providers in Medicare quality reporting programs and data submission as the nation’s healthcare providers deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

The state of Washington is the second states to receive an approved Section 1135 Medicaid waiver from CMS to help deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The agency is outlining next steps that imaging practices need to take if they choose to shut down because of COVID-19.