Although the amount of information detailing evidence-based best practices for medical imaging has grown in recent years, it has not resulted in universal adoption of evidence-based policies in practice, according to an article published in the September issue of Academic Radiology.

The Massachusetts healthcare reform law enacted in April 2006, which required all residents to carry health insurance, did not increase rates of mammography participation, and was not associated with an earlier stage at diagnosis compared with California, according to a study published online July 25 in Cancer.

Phone calls and mailed fecal immunochemical tests resulted in a four-fold increase in the rate of colorectal cancer screening, according to findings published in the July issue of the American Journal of Managed Care.

Watson Pharmaceuticals has filed suit against the FDA challenging the agency's decision regarding Watson's entitlement to shared exclusivity for its generic version of type 2 diabetes drug Actos (pioglitazone hydrochloride 15mg, 30mg and 45mg tablets). As a result of FDA's decision, Watson's abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) could be delayed for up to six months, according to Watson, which noted that it filed suit after communications with FDA about its ANDA failed to resolve the dispute and permit a timely launch.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has decided to launch CT screening for veterans at high risk for lung cancer.

While waiting for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to begin the recovery audit contractor (RAC) prepayment review demonstration originally slated to begin in January, the Journal of the American Health Information Management Association published a guide to prepare for the audits and encouraged healthcare organizations to be proactive.

The National Quality Forum (NQF) endorsed measures Aug. 10 for care coordination, complication-related patient safety, cancer and disparities and cultural competency. In addition, NQF removed the time-limit endorsement in 13 measures, including a measure for a standardized adverse event ratio for children 18 years of age undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Radiation therapy (RT) reduced the risk of subsequent mastectomy for women ages 70 to 79 with Stage 1, estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer who underwent conservative surgery, according to a study published Aug. 13 in Cancer. The findings contradict a previous clinical trial, which suggested that RT did not lower the risk of subsequent mastectomy or death from breast cancer.