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.

AMA releases 2022 updates to medical coding

The American Medical Association has released its 2022 updates to the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set.

September 7, 2021

Healthcare orgs given extra time to comply with price transparency

The Biden administration has given healthcare organizations extra time to comply with a price transparency rule.

August 30, 2021

$4.1B savings for Medicare thanks to shared savings program

Medicare’s Shared Savings Program (MSSP) saw its best financial performance in 2020, with 513 participating ACOs saving the CMS more than $4 billion gross and almost $2 billion net.

August 26, 2021

More than 2.5M gained health coverage during special open enrollment

A special enrollment period implemented by the Biden administration saw more than 2.5 million people sign up for health insurance.

August 11, 2021

Healthcare system still suing patients after being sold

A healthcare system in Tennessee is still suing patients for uncollected debt even after it’s been sold and some of its facilities were repurposed by the buyer.

July 26, 2021

Only 5.6% of hospitals comply with price transparency rule

The vast majority of hospitals are not following through on a recent requirement to publish their list prices online, according to a recent study from PatientRightsAdvocate.com.

July 19, 2021

Intensive Care Unit sign inside of a hospital

CMS may charge hospitals for not posting prices online

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has proposed charging hospitals that fail to post their list prices online as required.

July 19, 2021

Johnson & Johnson settles opioid case with New York for $230M

Johnson & Johnson will pay New York State $230 million in a settlement over a lawsuit against the drug manufacturer for its role in the opioid epidemic.

June 28, 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