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.

UnitedHealthcare bucks Medicare, ends reimbursement for most RPM services
Starting in 2026, patients covered by UnitedHealthcare's Medicare Advantage and commercial plans will not have care reimbursed for instances of remote patient monitoring unless they have diagnosed heart failure or are pregnant and experiencing hypertension. The shift stands at odds with traditional Medicare, which added new claims codes for providers to use next year.
Doctor sues Waymo after AI flags him as a terrorist
Nasser Mohamed, MD, a neurologist who operates a clinical practice in San Francisco, said an artificial intelligence system used by the autonomous taxi company led to him being denied multiple rides. He is seeking injunctive relief.
Some reviewers opposed FDA's approval of new drug for life-threatening disease
When the FDA approved elamipretide for the treatment of Barth syndrome, not everyone agreed with the agency's decision.
GLP-1 weight loss drugs will now be covered by Medicare and Medicaid—and available at a discount through TrumpRx
Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have agreed to sell their popular Wegovy and Zepbound injectables through TrumpRx.gov for a discounted rate, as the White House promises that Medicaid and Medicare plans will begin covering the costs.
Ohio AG investigating business practices of nonprofit safety net hospital
Authorities said in a court filing that they received a complaint about Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services’ business practices. The health system owes more than $12 million to creditors, and investigators are asking to see its financial records.

FDA issues Class I safety alert on malfunctioning infusion pumps

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is calling this a recall, an updated set of use instructions of Smiths Medical, the manufacturer of the pumps, will allow for their safe, continued use.

technologist MRI rad tech radiologic radiology

AI, politics and rising demand for imaging—how rad techs are faring amid an evolving professional landscape

Compared to other healthcare workers, technologists may have a more positive outlook of their career trajectories and how outside forces may affect them.

Dean Kereiakes, a nationally renowned interventional cardiologist and president of The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute, has long been recognized for his groundbreaking work in cardiovascular research and intervention. But in 2024, his career and his life were permanently altered when decades of wearing heavy lead protection in the cath lab left him paralyzed.

Cardiologist became paralyzed after wearing heavy aprons in the cath lab for decades—but he fought back

Dean J. Kereiakes, MD, was left paralyzed after battling severe orthopedic issues for his entire career. Back in the cath lab after a long recovery, he is now stressing the importance of workplace safety among interventional cardiologists.

Thomas Keane, MD, MBA, national coordinator for health information technology IT

HHS names interventional radiologist as next national coordinator for health IT

A physician and engineer, Thomas Keane, MD, MBA, will oversee federal policy related to interoperability, electronic health records and other medtech issues.

Medical malpractice gavel diagnostic error mistake stethoscope

Landmark COVID malpractice trial begins over death of 19-year-old with Down syndrome

The family of Grace Schara claims Ascension Health’s St. Elizabeth Hospital gave their unvaccinated daughter a cocktail of drugs that ultimately caused her death. The case has earned the attention of Children’s Health Defense, a controversial nonprofit formed by HHS Secretary Robery F. Kennedy Jr.

Hospitals spend $18.3B a year thwarting violence

The American Hospital Association released a new report quantifying the financial toll of violence in hospitals, including incidents that spill over into emergency rooms and care wards. The group is calling for stronger cooperation between healthcare facilities and law enforcement.

AMA brainstorms on key topics impacting healthcare

"With significantly strengthened penalties, standardized reporting requirements and unprecedented enforcement commitments, the regulatory landscape has dramatically shifted," the AMA wrote.

Radiologists say tax provision in reconciliation bill will harm private practices

“The effect will be a ‘double tax’ on small medical practices, without the protections enjoyed by other small businesses or corporations,” the Society of Interventional Radiology says.

Policy & Regulations

UnitedHealthcare bucks Medicare, ends reimbursement for most RPM services

Doctor sues Waymo after AI flags him as a terrorist

Some reviewers opposed FDA's approval of new drug for life-threatening disease

GLP-1 weight loss drugs will now be covered by Medicare and Medicaid—and available at a discount through TrumpRx

Ohio AG investigating business practices of nonprofit safety net hospital