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.

AI newswatch: Lifecyle AI oversight, data matters, AI vs. animals, more
AI may finally end the paper chase caused by prior authorization. Or it may worsen it.
Leaked HHS budget reveals 30% cuts, elimination of many core services
A proposal for the massive restructuring of the Department of Health and Human Services ends funding to programs associated with chronic disease management, lead safety, and Head Start. However, HHS is adding a new department to focus on understanding the cause of long-term illness.
Cardiologist-founded startup announces FDA clearance, first uses of new TAVR pacing system
“The device takes variability out of the procedure by giving the operator full control while automating ramp-up and back-up algorithms," according to a clinician who used the new technology. "The TAVR procedure is simplified, reducing physician and staff workload."
AI has come a long way in healthcare, still has a long way to go: Research recap
As AI continues its march through healthcare organizations around the world, the notion that it will replace the sector’s human workers fades but does not disappear.
UnitedHealth, Amedisys enter mediation with DOJ over block on $3.3B merger
The two companies have been unable to assuage antitrust concerns raised by the Department of Justice. A magistrate will attempt to hammer out acceptable terms for the home healthcare merger at a conference scheduled for August.

Radiologist arrested for alleged lewd acts that were caught on camera

This isn't the doctor's first run in with the law. In 2019, he was arrested for his alleged involvement with a prostitution ring, though those charges were eventually dropped.

cardiologists evaluating the human heart to provide a treatment strategy

Managing stable angina: How cardiologists can find the right mix of revascularization, therapy and interventions

The management of stable angina has been evolving at a rapid rate. Using a one-size-fits-all strategy is becoming a thing of the past, replaced by a patient-centered approach that requires open communication and a healthy understanding of recent clinical research.

Shifting radiology and other services out of hospitals could save upward of $147B, survey finds

The findings are based on a survey of over 1,000 radiologists, technologists and other care providers, detailed Wednesday in JAMA Network Open.

Health insurer eliminates prior authorization for 50% of radiology codes

Such policies "shouldn’t be used as a cost-control mechanism, or as a way to delay or deny appropriate care," the health plan's CEO said.

Imaging advocates want nuclear medicine technologists reclassified as healthcare professionals

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging made its case in an Aug. 12 letter to the Office of Management and Budget.

private equity corporatization business consolidation

Steward sells physician group to private equity firm for $245M

Stewardship Health, a group represented by 3,500 doctors, will be sold to Rural Healthcare Group, owned by private equity firm Kinderhook Industries.

Tandem Diabetes Care is recalling a recent update of the mobile app for its t:slim X2 insulin pump due to repeated software issues that may cause the pump to shut down unexpectedly. The FDA has said this is a Class I recall.

Patient risks persist for insulin pump caught in Class I recall

A software update for the pump's mobile app was expected to fix ongoing battery issues, but the problem remains.

M&A mergers and acquisitions business deal

Steward reaches deal to sell multispecialty physician group to private equity affiliate for $245M

The deal includes Steward Medical Group, a physician-led organization offering primary care, diagnostic imaging and other specialty services across several states.

Policy & Regulations

AI newswatch: Lifecyle AI oversight, data matters, AI vs. animals, more

Leaked HHS budget reveals 30% cuts, elimination of many core services

Cardiologist-founded startup announces FDA clearance, first uses of new TAVR pacing system

AI has come a long way in healthcare, still has a long way to go: Research recap

UnitedHealth, Amedisys enter mediation with DOJ over block on $3.3B merger