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.

Final decision on the creation of a new cardiovascular board expected soon
U.S. cardiology groups have worked together to propose the creation of a new American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine for certifying cardiologists. Now, after many months of waiting, a final decision is expected by the end of February.
The impact of Trump tariffs on iodine contrast media costs
GE HealthCare said the price of iodine contrast increased by more than 200% between 2017 to 2023. Will new Chinese tariffs drive costs even higher?
ACC president details key advocacy efforts in cardiology
American College of Cardiology President Cathie Biga, MSN, says Medicare payment reform remains a top priority going forward. Site-neutral payments and improved access to PAD screening are two other issues close to the ACC's heart.
Benzodiazepine use before heart surgery: Should it be embraced or restricted?
Benzodiazepines are administered before a majority of cardiac surgeries to lower the risk of intraoperative awareness. At the same time, however, recent studies have suggested they increase the risk of postoperative delirium.
FDA warns that atherectomy devices are breaking during use—30 serious injuries, 4 deaths reported
More than 100 incidents have been reported so far. The FDA is still evaluating this issue, but the agency wanted to raise awareness as quickly as possible.

Medicare now covers non-invasive peripheral artery disease treatment

Medicare now covers a supervised exercise therapy for peripheral artery disease (PAD), according to CMS, a decision that will likely result in other insurers following this example.

Heart Rhythm Society visits Capitol Hill to gain support for important legislation impacting the field of electrophysiology

Today, members of the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) are visiting 35 congressional offices on Capitol Hill to raise visibility and support for two proposals: the “Medicare Program Integrity Improvement and Education Act” and the “Teaching Children to Save Lives Act.” HRS is advocating for the support of these two bills because both intend to deliver outcomes aligned with the Society’s mission to improve the care of patients by advancing research, education and optimal health care policies and standards.

Around the web

Radiology Business

The impact of Trump tariffs on iodine contrast media costs

GE HealthCare said the price of iodine contrast increased by more than 200% between 2017 to 2023. Will new Chinese tariffs drive costs even higher?

Radiology Business

Key takeaways from RSNA 2024 for AI, CT, MRI and the radiology staffing shortage

Several key trends were evident at the Radiological Society of North America 2024 meeting, including new CT and MR technology and evolving adoption of artificial intelligence.