Diagnosing and treating patients well starts with choosing the most precise test. Cardiac PET imaging is the test of choice more often these days when it comes to assessing coronary artery disease, myocardial perfusion, viability and ventricular function in more complex patients. It makes sense clinically, operationally and financially. It also trumps SPECT in many ways, and can even play a role in cardiac disease prevention.
 

Cardiologists are facing rapid changes in reimbursement due to new payment models, but James C. Blankenship, MD, MHCM, says physicians should focus on providing the best quality of care for patients. He recommends physicians take care of everyone in their practice or group, as well. These days, physicians must also understand the balance between the traditional fee-for-service model and alternative payment models such as the Merit-based Incentive Payment System.

With the rollout of the Affordable Care Act and changes to reimbursements, Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta, GA, recognizes it’s a critical time to control expenses.

Priorities need to focus on training and outreach from clinical, operational and financial perspectives as well as strengthening the heart team --;Prairie Heart and Vascular Institute in Springfield, Ill., is leading the way.

Watch this strategic webinar on the changes effective October 1, 2016, that simplify reimbursement for heart assist device systems, including Impella.

San Juan Regional Medical Center's ongoing training and protocols has served the heart team well and their advice is solid for care providers seeking to offer quality care while maintaining a healthy bottom line.

Learn how to improve and save lives of high-risk and emergent patients in need of revascularization.