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.

Boston Scientific recalls premixed embolic agent after two deaths
There have been a total of 11 incidents so far, including seven injuries and two deaths. Boston Scientific said the agent can still be used if operators follow specific instructions during lower GI bleed embolization procedures.
Atrium Health sued for violating patient privacy, sharing data with Facebook and Google
In a court filing, the plaintiffs claim Atrium Health used Meta's Pixel code on its website, resulting in patients receiving targeted ads.
Massive data trove from Change Healthcare hack now for sale on dark web
Cybercriminal group RansomHub claims to have protected health information from nearly every American.
Change Healthcare faces second ransom as cybercriminals leak stolen data
A new hacker group is claiming credit for the data breach, first reported in February. Change Healthcare has already paid criminals a $22 million ransom.
The growing shortage or general cardiologists and recruiting crisis in rural America
There is a rapidly growing shortage in general cardiologists and for positions in rural areas, numerous healthcare system recruiters set up at the ACC reported.

UnitedHealth subsidiary must pay $20M after purposely denying claims to ‘protect its bottom line’

The ruling ends a more than six year class-action lawsuit against United Behavioral Health.

January 11, 2022

New lawsuit alleges Duke is working to ‘destroy’ private physicians group

Meanwhile, representatives with the institution say the suit "has no basis in fact or law" and that the university plans to fight it.

January 3, 2022

Five hospital groups join AHA, AMA legal challenge against surprise billing provision

The Federation of American Hospitals and Association of American Medical Colleges are among those organizations that filed an amicus brief in December.

December 16, 2021

Trio of hospice employees sentenced to federal prison in $40M Medicare scheme

Doctors allowed Bradley Harris, CEO of now-defunct Novus Health Services, to dispense medication "like candy," the Department of Justice said.

December 10, 2021

Surgeon General issues warning over youth mental health crisis

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy issued a public health emergency on the mental health crisis among the nation's youth.

December 8, 2021

UnitedHealth must pay doctors $60M after losing lawsuit against TeamHealth

A UHC spokesperson said the insurance giant is planning an "immediate" appeal.

December 8, 2021

Judge halts Biden administration's worker vaccine mandate

More than 17 million healthcare workers and 67,000 providers are likely affected by the now-paused instruction.

December 1, 2021

Top states with the most affordable healthcare

Americans are paying more than ever for healthcare, but how much depends on where they live.

December 1, 2021

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiologist salary update: Compensation jumps to $525K per year, No. 3 among all specialties

In addition, cardiologists average an additional $75,000 per year in incentive-based bonuses. That number is only higher for two other specialties.

Cardiovascular Business

Critics call out ‘woefully inadequate’ CMS proposal for inpatient Medicare payments

CMS has issued its proposed rule for the 2025 Medicare hospital inpatient prospective payment system, suggesting a payment increase of 2.6%. According to the American Hospital Association, this update would not be enough at a time when hospitals are already struggling to stay open.

Cardiovascular Business

Johnson & Johnson to acquire Shockwave Medical for $13.1B

The rumors, it seems, were true. Once the deal is finalized, Shockwave Medical will operate as a business unit within Johnson & Johnson MedTech.

Policy & Regulations

Boston Scientific recalls premixed embolic agent after two deaths

Atrium Health sued for violating patient privacy, sharing data with Facebook and Google

Massive data trove from Change Healthcare hack now for sale on dark web

Change Healthcare faces second ransom as cybercriminals leak stolen data

The growing shortage or general cardiologists and recruiting crisis in rural America

Around the web