Organ transplant recipients currently face frequent biopsies to monitor for problems like graft injury or rejection, and doctors don't have a good way of differentiating between rejection and other causes of dysfunction. A new blood test is now available, however, that is designed to address both issues for kidney transplant recipients.

Much to the chagrin of device makers, a recent government analysis on the evidence behind the use of catheter ablation to treat atrial fibrillation did not offer a glowing recommendation of this modality. The report said, "there was insufficient evidence to draw conclusions regarding the efficacy, effectiveness and safety" of this procedure for Medicare beneficiaries, although the procedure is already covered. However, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services can revert to clinical trial coverage thanks to a recent change in its coverage with evidence development policy.