CMS released both the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS) final rules for 2016 on Oct. 30, and the American College of Radiology (ACR) issued a separate statement on each rule.

In just over two months, the XR-29-2013 CT standard, also known as Smart Dose CT, becomes a reality. Does your equipment comply?

There were multiple delays. There were conflicting survey results on whether healthcare organizations were adequately prepared. There was end-to-end testing, guidance, tools and much debate.

More than 200 members of Congress have signed letters urging CMS not to go through with the change to payments for radiation oncology services included in its 2016 Medicare Physician Free Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule. 

In a recent blog entry, the FDA unveiled its new Patient Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC), a group which will give the FDA commissioner input on issues related to medical devices and device regulations. 

AHRA has submitted its response to the 2016 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule, recommending a one-year delay before new XR-29 requirements are enforced and requesting additional information on clinical decision support (CDS) implementation.

Diagnostic agent DaTscan (Ioflupane I 123 Injection) is no longer listed as a Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), making it more readily available for use in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

The American College of Radiology (ACR) has shared a new FAQ that helps healthcare providers make sure their CT equipment is compliant with the XR-29-2013 standard, also known as Smart Dose CT.