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.

The growing shortage or general cardiologists and recruiting crisis in rural America
There is a rapidly growing shortage in general cardiologists and for positions in rural areas, numerous healthcare system recruiters set up at the ACC reported.
CMS proposed rule would boost Medicare inpatient rates by 2.6%
CMS has issued a proposed rule that would result in a net increase of 2.6% to the Medicare inpatient prospective payment system rate for fiscal year 2025, a raise that hospital trade groups say doesn’t go far enough.
Payments to FDA advisory panel questioned
A recent investigation from KFF Health News about payments to members of an FDA panel evaluating an Abbott Laboratories cardiac device is raising eyebrows.
Drug price dialogues represent ‘an opportunity for CMS to clarify negotiation policies and their potential impact for the future’
CMS must ensure transparency, clarity and predictability by providing detailed guidance on comparator drug selection and the evaluation of evidence, according to a group of D.C.-based health policy researchers.
FDA announces recall of more than 300,000 catheter kits after 10 injuries, 1 death
This recall is due to reports of “increased resistance” when using the devices. There have been 194 customer complaints about the issue so far.

Medical societies are asking Congress to be involved in Medicare reform efforts.

About 100 medical societies ask Congress to be involved in Congressional efforts to reform Medicare

Nearly 100 professional healthcare societies have asked Congress to include them in any discussions related to Medicare reform.

February 28, 2022

Court blocks aspects of surprise billing rule

Federal Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle said the interim final rule conflicts with the unambiguous terms of the No Surprises Act.

February 24, 2022

HHS allocating $560M in payments to healthcare providers impacted by COVID-19 pandemic

Nearly $19 billion will have been distributed from the Provider Relief Fund and the American Rescue Plan Rural provider funding since November 2021.

February 24, 2022

Quality care for geriatric patients lacking in emergency departments

Most EDs do not provide the level of care recommended by Geriatric Emergency Department guidelines.

February 23, 2022

Major pharmacy group criticizes FTC decision on PBMs

FTC failed to reach a consensus on a study looking into PBM practices.

February 18, 2022

Healthcare M&A, mergers and acquisitions business deal.

M&A activity was down in 2021, but 'mega-mergers' spiked

Last year saw the largest percentage of mega transactions over the past six years at 16.3%, nearly double that of 2020.

February 17, 2022

AMA releases new toolkit with 5 steps to achieve racial, health equity

The "Racial and Health Equity: Concrete STEPS for Health Systems toolkit is the latest addition to a collection of more than 70 other toolkits that cover transformative medical practice solutions.

February 16, 2022

Health-tech companies back new legislation introduced to modernize ‘outdated’ health privacy laws

Teladoc Health, IBM, Epic and others all support the bipartisan Health Data Use and Privacy Commission Act.

February 16, 2022

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiologist salary update: Compensation jumps to $525K per year, No. 3 among all specialties

In addition, cardiologists average an additional $75,000 per year in incentive-based bonuses. That number is only higher for two other specialties.

Cardiovascular Business

Critics call out ‘woefully inadequate’ CMS proposal for inpatient Medicare payments

CMS has issued its proposed rule for the 2025 Medicare hospital inpatient prospective payment system, suggesting a payment increase of 2.6%. According to the American Hospital Association, this update would not be enough at a time when hospitals are already struggling to stay open.

Cardiovascular Business

Johnson & Johnson to acquire Shockwave Medical for $13.1B

The rumors, it seems, were true. Once the deal is finalized, Shockwave Medical will operate as a business unit within Johnson & Johnson MedTech.

Policy & Regulations

The growing shortage or general cardiologists and recruiting crisis in rural America

CMS proposed rule would boost Medicare inpatient rates by 2.6%

Payments to FDA advisory panel questioned

Drug price dialogues represent ‘an opportunity for CMS to clarify negotiation policies and their potential impact for the future’

FDA announces recall of more than 300,000 catheter kits after 10 injuries, 1 death

Around the web