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.

Rural America lost 3,300 medical practices in five years, report shows
A data analysis from the Physicians Advocacy Institute and Avalere Health found corporate buyouts are leaving patients in low-population areas with fewer options, as doctors are opting to go elsewhere.
CMS proposes Medicare coverage for T-TEER
CMS has proposed covering tricuspid TEER for patients who present with symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation despite optimal medical therapy. The agency still has questions about the available data, however, and is seeking public comments as it makes its final decision.
Healthcare AI newswatch: Fail-fast AI skunk works, writerly doctors avoiding AI scribes, more
Is trial and error any way for a sprawling health system to roll out AI? Duke Health’s chief medical information officer believes so.
FTC halts case against PBMs, citing lack of commissioners
The FTC has back-burnered its price collusion case against CVS Caremark, Optum Rx and Express Scripts after significant staff departures at the agency left it uncertain how to proceed.
Dr. Oz confirmed by Senate to lead CMS in a 53-45 vote
The confirmation vote mostly fell on party lines. The Emmy-award-winning TV personality will replace Chiquita W. Brooks-LaSure, who has held the position since 2021.

Healthcare growth slows, but June adds 49,000 new jobs

For the last year, the average monthly growth has been 64,000 new jobs. However, healthcare continues to outpace most other sectors of the economy.

Optum settles improper opioid prescription accusations for $20M

The UnitedHealth Group subsidiary has not admitted any wrongdoing but said it has improved protocols for monitoring controlled substances.

Bipartisan senators urge CMS to bolster access to nuclear imaging in outpatient settings

Lawmakers led by Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., made their plea in a June letter to the head of the agency.

AMA: Examining a doctors’ health data can help detect burnout

More than 50% of physicians reported feeling burned out, leading to large numbers retiring or changing jobs The AMA now wants to look at healthcare worker medical records to help identify workplace stressors and how to improve well-being.

Former smokers who vape now still need to be screened for lung cancer. Many of them aren't

Despite kicking their initial habit, these individuals remain at risk of developing lung cancer due to their history of smoking cigarettes, current use of e-cigarettes, or both, experts caution.

Tracking private equity: Cardiologist, CEO share perspective on acquisition trends

The ongoing rise of private equity continues to be one of the biggest topics in modern healthcare.

Volume of interventional radiology procedures performed by nurse practitioners surges 143%

Physician assistants also handled a growing share of treatments, with their tally increasing nearly 67% between 2010 and 2021.

Inmates in five states, including minors, to be granted Medicaid coverage

Inmates in Illinois, Kentucky, Oregon, Utah and Vermont will be granted access to patient care services, including behavioral health and drug abuse interventions.

Policy & Regulations

Rural America lost 3,300 medical practices in five years, report shows

CMS proposes Medicare coverage for T-TEER

Healthcare AI newswatch: Fail-fast AI skunk works, writerly doctors avoiding AI scribes, more

FTC halts case against PBMs, citing lack of commissioners

Dr. Oz confirmed by Senate to lead CMS in a 53-45 vote