1. Medtech Insight
  2. >>Policy & Regulation

Congress Passes Lab Cuts; Obama Budget Targets Include Imaging, DME

Labs and test makers were caught off guard by a significant reimbursement cut passed in a payroll tax cut/physician payment fix bill. The same week, President Obama submitted a 2013 budget request that targets imaging and durable medical equipment with cuts and restrictions.

Medicare cuts impacting medical technology reimbursement were in the cross hairs of the administration and Congress last week, including passage of a bill on Feb. 17 with a large payment cut for laboratories.

And earlier in the week, President Obama released his fiscal 2013 budget request including a host of familiar Medicare cost-saving proposals targeting imaging and

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Medtech Insight for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Policy & Regulation

Health Secretary Defends Spending Cuts During Senate Hearing On HHS Budget

 
• By Elizabeth Orr

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized administrative cost reductions and defended budget decisions during a Senate hearing on HHS funding. Some senators, however, expressed concerns over the impacts spending cuts had on essential health programs.

Tariffs Threaten Medtech Innovation And US Position As World Leader, Whitaker Tells Lawmakers

 
• By Brian Bossetta

During his testimony before US senators on the impact of tariffs on critical supply chains, AdvaMed’s Scott Whitaker said the Trump tariffs could jeopardize America’s preeminence in medtech. Other industry experts echoed similar concerns.

Califf Warns Progress May Be In Danger Due To ‘Decimated’ FDA Staff

 
• By Barnaby Pickering

In Vivo spoke to the previous commissioner of the US FDA about recent ongoings at the agency, and where he believes policy should be directed for patient and industry benefit.

What’s A Diagnostic? WHO Wants To Know

 
• By Elizabeth Orr

The World Health Organization is seeking input from stakeholders to create an official definition of the term ‘diagnostics.’ This initiative follows a 2023 resolution aimed at enhancing global diagnostics capacity; the definition, it is hoped, will help drive the creation of effective health policies. Comments will be accepted until 23 May.

More from Medtech Insight

Synchron And Apple Team Up To Use ‘Mind-Thought Connection’ To Control iPhones, iPads

 
• By Marion Webb

Apple and Synchron are teaming up to develop technologies that will one day allow people who can’t use their hands or voice to control iPhones, iPads and other Apple devices by using only their thoughts.

Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre CGM Reduces Cardiovascular Disease-Related Hospitalization

 
• By Natasha Barrow

The REFLECT studies showed a 78% reduction in cardiovascular disease-related hospitalization for people living with type 1 diabetes with prior low blood sugar episodes.

A Deregulated Medtech Sector Could Flourish In Merz’s Industry-Friendly Germany

 
• By Ashley Yeo

Less bureaucracy, no more national supply chain law, framework agreements and competition for direct reimbursement of medtech innovations are among the positive changes the local medtech industry might expect as Germany’s new government gets down to work. Life sciences lawyer Gunnar Sachs offers a view from the ground.