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. 

business man storm rain crisis

50% of radiology practices plan to reduce staffing if ‘catastrophic’ Medicare cuts move forward in 2021

Another 82% said they expect reimbursement reductions will result in decreased imaging access for patients, according to a new survey. 

Thumbnail

Former FDA chiefs want White House to cease ‘deeply troubling’ interference in scientific matters

In particular, the former Food and Drug Administration commissioners are concerned about political meddling in the approval of a COVID-19 vaccine. 

Thumbnail

CDC chief dismayed over radiologist’s influence on White House: ‘Everything he says is false’

Scott Atlas, MD, recently made the news after nearly 100 former Stanford colleagues questioned his views around the pandemic. 

Thumbnail

National Cancer Institute reportedly looking to kill high-profile $100M mammography trial

NCI has formed a work group to review funding for TMIST, which is comparing digital breast tomosynthesis with older 2D mammo technology.

Thumbnail

CMS’ mandatory Radiation Oncology Model ‘goes too far,’ say provider groups pushing for delay

Chief Seema Verma said the new bundled payment effort will reward results, rather than the number of services delivered. 

Thumbnail

Surgeon takes second stab at suing hospital for forced in-network radiology referrals

Fired Florida orthopedic surgeon Ayman Daouk, MD, claims Orlando Health violated the Stark Law in attempting to influence his actions. 

Thumbnail

Radiology practice must pay $5M after delivering contrast imaging without doc supervision

Whistleblower and former employee Syd Ackerman first surfaced the allegations and stands to collect $925,000 of the payout. 

New CPT code to help radiology practices report additional costs stemming from COVID care

Approved for immediate use beginning Sept. 8, code 99072 covers any additional supplies, materials or clinical staff time used during the pandemic. 

Around the web

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

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.

The all-in-one Omni Legend PET/CT scanner is now being manufactured in a new production facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin.