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. 

Cardiologist says COVID-19 vaccinations ‘must stop’ due to the risk of adverse events—scientists and doctors push back

A well-known cardiologist who once fully supported COVID-19 vaccines is now saying he thinks they have done more harm than good. Online, as one might expect, people on both sides of this particular debate have been quick to respond. 

Dhanunjaya "DJ" Lakkireddy, MD, executive medical director for the Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute at HCA Midwest Health, professor of medicine at the University of Missouri, Columbia, deputy editor for the the Journal of Atrial Fibrillation, and serves on the HRS Board of Trustees and section steering committee chair for the ACC, explains the potentially devastating impact of Medicare cuts on electrophysiology (EP) and patient care.

VIDEO: Medicare cuts could devastate the field of electrophysiology

"By imposing a 35%-42% cut, [CMS] has essentially created a scenario where it is going to destroy electrophysiology as a field," explained Dhanunjaya "DJ" Lakkireddy, MD.

Industry insights: 4 healthcare executives discuss the biggest challenges in cardiology today

We spoke to executives from some of healthcare's most prominent vendors to find out what challenges are on their radar in 2022 and beyond. 

FDA announces Class I recall of circulatory support system after 66 complaints, 2 patient injuries

The recall is due to a malfunction risk that could, if not handled properly, cause the pump to stop working for a long period of time. This could lead to a serious injury or death, according to the recall. 

FDA recall. The medications involved are atenolol, which treats hypertension, and clopidogrel, which reduces the risk of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or stroke among patients with a history of AMI, severe chest pain or circulation problems.

FDA announces recall of 2 cardiovascular medications due to labeling mix-up

Patients face a risk of adverse events if they mistakenly take the wrong medication, according to a new warning from the FDA. 

New recommendations highlight the importance of CCTA when treating acute chest pain in the ED

The Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography developed and published the new document to help educate healthcare providers who regularly treat acute chest pain in the emergency department. 

AMA analysis of Medicare Trustee data shows Medicare updates compared to inflation 2001-2021.

More than 100 medical societies push Congress to end destructive cycle of annual Medicare cuts

More than 120 medical societies have joined the AMA in a letter urging congressional leaders to enact long-term solutions to the systemic problems in the Medicare physician payment system and to address cuts that are going into effect in 2023.

Medicare money payment physician

The fight continues: Cardiologists turn up heat on Congress to stop Medicare payment cuts

Dozens of medical societies have signed a new letter urging Congress to stop upcoming Medicare payment cuts. “The Medicare payment system remains on an unsustainable path threatening beneficiaries’ access to physicians," they wrote. 

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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