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. 

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‘A troublesome trend’: Top imaging groups slam insurer-directed test substitution policies

Advocates say payers' push for single first-line imaging tests for all patients isn't backed by evidence and may cause harm.

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Imaging advocates, bipartisan lawmakers unite to oppose ‘misguided and massive’ Medicare pay cuts

Congressmen highlighted a planned wage increase for clinical labor that will spell 20% reductions elsewhere, due to budget neutrality. 

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Quality experts urge CMS to fold imaging Appropriate Use Criteria Program into other value initiatives

After years of delays, the initiative's usefulness has "diminished significantly," imaging leaders from several noted institutions wrote in Health Affairs. 

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Lawmakers urge CMS to reexamine long-delayed imaging Appropriate Use Criteria program

The quality initiative has been pushed back several times, and some are concerned that it's no longer relevant and duplicates other efforts. 

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Advocates applaud legislation that would improve coverage for peripheral artery disease screening

If signed into law, the bill would improve coverage for screening for both Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. 

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AHA condemns Trump administration’s latest attack on ACA

The American Heart Association noted that the Affordable Care Act has provided “invaluable patient protections for millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions.”

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Nuclear medicine, cardio groups reject proposed myocardial PET cuts

Multiple nuclear medicine and cardiology groups are working to oppose potential cuts to myocardial PET scans that were made possible by the CMS 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule, according to a joint statement.

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Industry groups oppose proposed myocardial PET cuts

When CMS released the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule, it included revisions that could lead to technical component payment reductions of up to 80% for certain services related to myocardial PET scans.

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.