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. 

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RBMA, ACR, RadNet and Rayus Radiology urge CMS to fix ‘burdensome’ reporting requirement

The groups are concerned that the rule could result in billing errors, inadvertent payment denials and slow claims processing. 

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CT should not be used to screen for colorectal cancer, American College of Physicians charges

Its decision drew concern from the radiology community, which has fought to increase awareness around this alternative to colonoscopy. 

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Lawmakers propose ‘gold card’ program that exempts physicians from prior authorization requirements

Experts said that radiologists, along with others who order imaging, stand to benefit from the bipartisan proposal. 

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Medicare spent upward of $3.8B on low-value imaging and cancer screenings in 1 year: MedPAC

“Imaging for nonspecific low back pain” was listed as the most frequently occurring low-value service, impacting upward of 9.3% of beneficiaries. 

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ACR estimates diagnostic radiology will face 4% Medicare cut, absent congressional action

The college issued a detailed breakdown of the 2024 MPFS, offering insight into the “complex” formula for how much the specialty stands to lose. 

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American College of Radiology opposes focus of US House bill aimed at increasing imaging price transparency

Rep. Mike Carey introduced the Imaging Services Price Transparency Act July 25, hoping to better inform patients about services provided by the specialty. 

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Cigna violated the law by denying claims for imaging and other services in bulk, lawsuit alleges

Plaintiff attorneys are asking for damages in excess of $5 million, not including interest and other costs, and seeking class-action status.

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Incorrect CT protocol leads to radiologist overlooking liver cancer, patient’s untimely death

The physician had assigned the standard, four-phase protocol for liver imaging, but the radiographer instead performed a single, portal-venous phase only.

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.