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.

Radiology Business Management Association strongly urges Medicare to withdraw controversial doc pay ‘efficiency adjustment’
The federal payment program first proposed this 2.5%, across-the-board cut for physician services in July, exempting most time-based healthcare offerings.
Lawmakers urge Trump administration to fix No Surprises Act problems plaguing radiology
Five years after Congress passed the landmark law, shortcomings persist, which are potentially hampering patients and physicians, House leaders contend.
Radiopharma firm Telix touts progress after FDA rejects brain imaging agent application
The Australia-based drug manufacturer is working to release Pixclara, a PET contrast agent for diagnosing glioma, a rare form of brain cancer.
Report: More than 100 proposals submitted to HHS for MAHA autism studies
Reuters reported that 500 institutions are linked to the proposals. In total, $50 million is up for grabs as part of HHS’ Autism Data Science Initiative.
FDA clears single-use, fully disposable endovascular robotic system
The new Liberty System allows users to remotely deliver and manipulate guidewires and catheters during peripheral endovascular procedures.

Cardiologists share late-breaking TAVR data on first day of SCAI 2025

New TAVR data on SAPT vs. DAPT and prosthesis-patient mismatch among women were some of the many highlights of the conference's opening day.

A victory for early treatment: FDA approves first TAVR valves for asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis

The FDA has approved the balloon-expandable Sapien 3 TAVR platform from Edwards Lifesciences for treating asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis. This is the first time the agency has approved any TAVR technology to be used in asymptomatic patients.

Patients sue Alabama regulators for access to medical marijuana

Lawsuits filed against the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission claim the agency has failed to develop the necessary database to license and certify providers in the state, effectively making medical cannabis inaccessible. The law allowing for medical marijuana use passed in 2021.

Optum UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealth Group HQ

Optum names pediatrician and healthcare policy veteran as new CEO

Patrick Conway, MD, has been with Optum since 2020, previously serving in federal healthcare agencies under George W. Bush and Barack Obama. He takes over as the company’s new CEO, effective May 6.

GE HealthCare expects $500M revenue reduction from tariffs

Despite newly implemented tariffs, the manufacturer says it was profitable in Q1 of 2025, but a greater impact on its operations looms later this year.

Certificate-of-need exemption fuels hospital’s outpatient imaging expansion in growing market

West Virginia carved out a CON concession for certain diagnostic imaging services in 2023, with Valley Health capitalizing on the law change.

Healthcare AI newswatch: Bill Gates detractors, structured medical timelines, helpful China tariffs, more

Bill Gates wasn’t just wrong to suggest AI will make physicians unnecessary. He was reckless.

Sen. Warren fears $10B private equity buyout of Walgreens will create ‘pharmacy deserts’

The Massachusetts senator is asking buyer Sycamore Partners for certain assurances, including that it won’t saddle the struggling pharmacy chain with even more debt and indiscriminately close retail locations.

Policy & Regulations

Radiology Business Management Association strongly urges Medicare to withdraw controversial doc pay ‘efficiency adjustment’

Lawmakers urge Trump administration to fix No Surprises Act problems plaguing radiology

Radiopharma firm Telix touts progress after FDA rejects brain imaging agent application

Report: More than 100 proposals submitted to HHS for MAHA autism studies

FDA clears single-use, fully disposable endovascular robotic system