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.

UnitedHealth, Amedisys ask federal judge to dismiss DOJ lawsuit blocking $3.3B merger
The companies argue that the U.S. Department of Justice has failed to adequately demonstrate how, and in which regions of the country, the merger would harm competition. They are asking a federal court to throw out the case.
Healthcare private equity reporting act signed into law by Mass. governor
The new law will require private equity firms to make disclosures related to organizational structure and finances if they intend to operate a medical facility or provider organization in the state.
Reimbursement update: What hospitals need to know about new Medicare payments for cardiac CT
CMS finalized a significant policy change when it increased the Medicare payments hospitals receive for performing CCTA exams. What, exactly, does the update mean for cardiologists, billing specialists and other hospital employees?
Dental chain involved in ransomware coverup fined $350K
A regional chain of clinics that lied through its teeth about a data breach has agreed to pay a $350,000 settlement to resolve multiple allegations it violated HIPAA.
$49B in medical debt to be erased from credit reports
A new final rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau bans reporting agencies from including medical debts on credit reports or factoring them into credit scores.

FDA unveils plan to lower prices, boost competition among drug-makers

The FDA unveiled a new plan to enable market competition for biologics and biosimilars Wednesday, July 18, as part of a larger shift to lower drug prices across the healthcare system.

July 18, 2018

Humana hits highest share price ever

With a stake in two post-acute care companies under its belt, health insurer Humana saw its share price hit a new record high last week.

July 18, 2018

Amazon eyeing investment in Indian pharmacy chain

Retail giant Amazon is in early talk to invest in Medplus, India’s second-largest pharmacy chain, according to FactorDaily.

July 18, 2018

HHS diverts $40M to immigration crisis under Trump policy

President Donald Trump’s policy of “zero tolerance” on illegal immigration has led HHS to redirect millions in funding to house migrant children separated from their parents at the border.

July 18, 2018

HHS proposals for 340B drug pricing program prompt industry objections

Proposed changes to the 340B drug pricing program, in addition to other cuts in payments, are being called out by industry associations and providers.

July 18, 2018

'Breakthrough' drug designations result in less certainty

Speeding up the regulatory process has led to uncertainty about the effectiveness of some new drugs.

July 17, 2018

Hospital utilization slows as healthcare moves to cheaper care settings

Hospital utilization is slowing down in its growth, according to a recent survey of hospital administrators. The trend underscores the shift across the healthcare system away from high-cost settings toward lower-cost outpatient utilization.

July 17, 2018

Healthcare venture capital funding to hit new high in 2018

Venture capital funding continues to pour into healthcare startups, and the pace this year is already expected to top 2017's total figure of $15 billion.

July 16, 2018

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

Reimbursement update: What hospitals need to know about new Medicare payments for cardiac CT

CMS finalized a significant policy change when it increased the Medicare payments hospitals receive for performing CCTA exams. What, exactly, does the update mean for cardiologists, billing specialists and other hospital employees?

Cardiovascular Business

Stryker acquires Inari Medical for $4.9B

Stryker, a global medtech company based out of Michigan, has kicked off 2025 with a bit of excitement. The company says Inari’s peripheral vascular portfolio is highly complementary to its own neurovascular portfolio.

Radiology Business

The biggest obstacles facing radiology business managers in 2025

RBMA President Peter Moffatt discusses declining reimbursement rates, recruiting challenges and the role of artificial intelligence in transforming the industry.