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.

4 points crucial to the nimble regulation of GenAI
With generative AI coming into its own, AI regulators must avoid relying too much on principles of risk management—and not enough on those of uncertainty management.
FDA recalls infant incubators due to risk of door falling off
A loose screw on the Giraffe OmniBed is to blame. With updated use instructions and repairs, the incubators are safe to use.
‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT
CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.
Kentucky AG launches criminal probe after conscious man nearly has organs harvested
Three years ago Anthony Hoover was declared brain dead—until he woke up on the operating room table, moments before his organs were removed. His story has spurred a criminal investigation by Kentucky's attorney general.
FDA announces Class I recall of ventilators after 3 patient injuries
An unexpected nickel coating on the breathing circuits of Percussionaire Phasitron 5 ventilators is being blamed for the recall. The FDA is asking providers to stop using them immediately.

FDA workshop to explore AI’s impact on imaging

AI’s impact on medical imaging continues to be one of the most significant trends of the last several years, and now the FDA has announced a public workshop focused on that very subject.

December 11, 2019

Wyden, Booker share concerns about the use of AI in healthcare

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Cory Booker want to know what government agencies and insurance providers are doing to make sure health systems avoid the use of biased algorithms.

December 11, 2019

Top 10 cities with the highest demand for physicians

Physicians are in high demand, with a 5% increase in job opportunities in the U.S. since 2018, according to a new research study on the 2019 labor market for doctors by Doximity.

December 10, 2019

Optum buys specialty pharmacy for $300M

OptumRx, the pharmacy care services business of UnitedHealth Group’s Optum, is acquiring a specialty pharmacy and infusion services provider, Diplomat.

December 10, 2019

Surprise billing ban agreement reached in Congress

Lawmakers have come to an agreement to stop surprise medical billing in new legislation that would also enact a number of other healthcare initiatives. The bipartisan agreement could put an end to the legislative stalemate on Capitol Hill in light of President Trump's impeachment proceedings.

December 9, 2019

Consumers think AI will be good for patient care—but some worries persist

A majority of U.S. consumers are confident AI will have a positive impact on both patients and healthcare providers, according to a new report from Blumberg Capital.

December 6, 2019

US healthcare spending grew 4.6% in 2018

National healthcare expenditures rose 4.6% in 2018, according to new figures from the CMS Office of Actuary.

December 6, 2019

ACOs saved $3.5B over 5 years

Accountable care organizations (ACOs) saved Medicare more than $3.53 billion from 2013 to 2017, according to a report from industry group the National Association of ACOs (NAACOS).

December 5, 2019

Around the web

AI in Healthcare

4 points crucial to the nimble regulation of GenAI

With generative AI coming into its own, AI regulators must avoid relying too much on principles of risk management—and not enough on those of uncertainty management.

Cardiovascular Business

Q&A: Why are cardiovascular devices involved in so many recalls? FDA policies may be to blame

Cardiovascular devices are more likely to be in a Class I recall than any other device type. The FDA's approval process appears to be at least partially responsible, though the agency is working to make some serious changes. We spoke to a researcher who has been tracking these data for years to learn more.

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiologist compensation still rising, especially in invasive and interventional cardiology

Updated compensation data includes good news for multiple subspecialties. The new report also examines private equity's impact on employment models and how much male cardiologists earn compared to females.