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. 

heart patient

Heart specialists push for change due to rising number of CVD deaths

"It’s clear to me that urgent intervention is long overdue," one cardiologist said in a statement. 

Medicare money payment reimbursement dollar decline george washington

Cardiologists speak out about reimbursement cuts, say Congress ‘left clinicians holding the bag’

When Congress passed its latest continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown, it provided no relief for cardiologists and other physicians impacted by ongoing Medicare reimbursement cuts. The American College of Cardiology responded to this development with yet another plea for change. 

Regularly eating avocados is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.

Fasting before cardiac catheterization may not be necessary—recommend a heart-healthy diet instead

“Patients can safely continue oral intake until the time of the procedure, improving their satisfaction and comfort without adverse events,” researchers wrote.

doctor with overweight patient who may be treated with TAVR or surgery

Are GLP-1 agonists safe? FDA finds no evidence popular weight loss medications cause suicidal thoughts or actions

The popular drugs, originally developed to treat diabetes, are being used more and more in the United States to help obese and overweight patients lose weight.  

transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)

New expert guidelines: Start PHV evaluations with echocardiography, but other imaging modalities can provide value

New guidelines from the American Society of Echocardiography, made in collaboration with the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance and Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, represent an update of the group's original recommendations from 2009.

The Medtronic Micra leadless pacemaker implanted inside the heart. It is about the size of a large vitamin pill and is implanted using a catheter.

Medtronic receives CE mark approval for next-generation leadless pacemakers

The two devices, already approved by the FDA, were designed with batteries expected to last more than 15 years. 

Money bankruptcy debt liquidation

Cardiologists make a familiar plea, urging Congress to eliminate impending Medicare cuts

Congress has already adjourned for the year without taking action, but U.S. medical societies are hoping relief from significant Medicare cuts will arrive in early 2024. 

healthcare value value-based care money dollar

Advocates criticize unfunded transparency mandate on imaging providers in recently passed legislation

The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act requires radiologists to publicly list prices for certain "shoppable" services.

Around the web

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

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