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 Medical Center installs solar panels to pay patients’ electric bills
A program dubbed the Clean Power Prescription sends half the energy generated by 519 solar panels on the hospital's roof back to patients, in the form of energy credits.
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.

Envision renews contract with UnitedHealthcare after billing practices battle

After months of back-and-forth, Envision Healthcare has renewed its contract with UnitedHealthcare.

December 11, 2018

Growth in U.S. healthcare spending slowed in 2017

National health spending grew by 3.9 percent in 2017, about 1 percent slower growth than the previous year, according to the Office of the Actuary at CMS. Total healthcare spending reached $3.5 trillion in 2017, or $10,739 per person.

December 7, 2018

Consumers worry about hospital mergers

It’s no secret the healthcare industry is undergoing massive consolidation, and hospital mergers and acquisitions are a concern among more than 60 percent of American adults, according to a new survey.

December 6, 2018

Hospital groups launch suit against HHS

Hospital groups have launched a lawsuit against HHS over its new outpatient prospective payment system rule, which was finalized in November.

December 5, 2018

Humana to buy back $750M in stocks

Health insurance and services provider Humana has announced it will accelerate stock repurchase of $750 million.

December 5, 2018

CVS launches new PBM pricing model

As CVS Health continues to deal with the closure of its $69 billion acquisition of Aetna, its pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) branch is moving ahead with a new pricing model. The new focus could help guarantee net cost predictability and simplify pricing.

December 5, 2018

CVS-Aetna deal faces hurdle as WellCare buys out Part D biz

CVS Health has closed its $69 billion acquisition of health insurer Aetna after the deal was approved by all necessary regulators, but the transaction has hit a snag after a judge requested more information from the Department of Justice.

December 4, 2018

Trump administration details state of healthcare competition

In the midst of a major consolidation period in the healthcare industry, a new report from the Trump administration sheds light on the current state of competition in the space.

December 4, 2018

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.