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.

AMA says Change Healthcare breach is crippling independent practices
A survey of physicians by the American Medical Association reveals that many practices are still losing revenue and struggling to make payroll as a result of the Change Healthcare hack.
ACLU sues North Carolina over illegal detention of mental health patients
A lawsuit filed in federal court claims the state is detaining mentally ill and disabled patients without due process or proper access to treatment.
What happened to cardiology's private practices?
Hospital employment models, reimbursement policies and private equity have all led to a massive reduction in the number of cardiologists working for a private practice, ACC President Cathie Biga, MSN, told Cardiovascular Business.
Psychiatric hospital sued for $150M over ‘encouraging’ fight between juveniles
A new lawsuit claims a 15-year-old girl was used as an enforcer of bad behavior at a psychiatric facility in Michigan, resulting in her severely beating a 10-year-old boy.
Biden Administration itemizes AI accomplishments to date
Half a year after President Biden officially directed federal agencies in the executive branch’s bailiwick to “seize the promise and manage the risks” of AI, the White House has posted a status report.

GE HealthCare stands on its own

GE has completed the spinoff of its healthcare business, and GE HealthCare began trading as its own entity on the Nasdaq Jan. 4.

January 4, 2023

Marijuana use among older adults is associated with a heightened risk of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, according to new research published in the American Journal of Cardiology. “Marijuana use increases sympathetic nervous system activity and inhibits cardiac parasympathetic innervation, resulting in elevated heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and an increase in myocardial oxygen demand.

Industry group pushes for cannabis screenings in surgery

The American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA Pain Medicine) has released new guidelines surrounding cannabis use in relation to surgery, advocating for all patients undergoing procedures with anesthesia to be screened for cannabis use.

January 4, 2023

GAO appoints 7 new members to health IT advisory committee

Seven members have been added to the Health Information Technology Advisory Committee (HITAC), a group tasked with improving the quality and access of health IT by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

December 22, 2022

Medicare money payment physician. The CardioVascular Coalition and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions have both issued new statements highlighting their issues with the 2024 MPFS proposed rule.

Healthcare groups react to Medicare cuts remaining in $1.7T spending bill

The American Medical Association said its members are "extremely disappointed and dismayed" that Congress did not act in time. The Medical Group Management Association shared a similar message.

December 21, 2022

Tripledemic shortages: Walgreens, CVS limit sale of children’s medications

A wave of infections across the United States has led to a run on certain over-the-counter medications, and some retailers are limiting purchases to deal with the seasonal demand.

December 20, 2022

Claire Ernst, director of government affairs, Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), explains the list of priorities for the association. These include staving off the large, planned 2023 Medicare reimbursement cuts, fighting for continuation of reimbursements for telehealth, and revamping prior authorizations.

VIDEO: Top priorities for the Medical Group Management Association in 2022

Claire Ernst, director of government affairs, Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), explains the list of priorities for the association, include staving off the large Medicare reimbursement cuts, continuation of telehealth reimbursements, and revamping prior authorizations.

December 20, 2022

FDA adds diabetes medicine to drug shortage list

A diabetes treatment drug, Mounjaro, has been added to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) list of drug shortages.

December 19, 2022

Chicago physician indicted in $9.5M healthcare fraud conspiracy

Benjamin T. Toh, of Chicago faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

December 16, 2022

Around the web

AI in Healthcare

Biden Administration itemizes AI accomplishments to date

Half a year after President Biden officially directed federal agencies in the executive branch’s bailiwick to “seize the promise and manage the risks” of AI, the White House has posted a status report.

Cardiovascular Business

‘Concerning’ data connect industry payments to cardiologists with medical device use

U.S. physicians often receive payments from medical device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies. New research in JAMA found a connection between receiving such payments and using specific devices—should the industry be concerned?

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiology groups share key update: ABMS seeking feedback on proposed Board of Cardiovascular Medicine

Five of the largest U.S. medical societies focused on cardiovascular health are one step closer to seeing their paradigm-shifting proposal become a reality.