CMS Announces Changes to Processes for Payment for Emerging Technologies On June 23, 2023, CMS issued a public notice describing its new regulatory pathway process for breakthrough devices through the national coverage determination process. The announcement states that the new Transitional Coverage for Emerging Technologies pathway will use a review process parallel with the Food...

Drug Enforcement Administration Extends Telehealth Flexibilities for Controlled Substance Prescriptions On May 10, 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a rule that extends the rules allowing telehealth prescription of controlled substances. Prior to the announced policy, the ability to prescribe controlled substances based on telehealth patient visits was set to expire when the...

Medical Societies Urge Members of Congress to Vote Against Legislation Expanding Scope of Practice for Mid-level Providers A coalition of professional medical societies, including ISASS, submitted a letter on June 1, 2023, to members of the US Congress urging them to vote against legislation introduced in May 2023 under the Improving Care and Access to...

Becker’s Spine Reports Trends for Surgeons in 2023 On May 23, 2023, Becker’s Spine published an article entitled “Good News, Bad News for Spine and Orthopedic Surgeons in 2023.” The article identified five trends for spine and orthopedic surgeons in 2023. Three positive trends, according to the article, are alternatives to private equity for independent...