According to new data from SullivanCotter, compensation in the United States is up more than 20% in the last five years for interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, general cardiology and vascular surgery. This points to a workforce that is getting more competitive over time, one expert told Cardiovascular Business.

"We really should have a system that is patient-centric, physician-led, and professionally managed, but in a cost-effective way," Rick Snyder, MD, said.

William Holding, a veteran healthcare consultant, spoke to Cardiovascular Business about the ever-changing cardiology industry. Should private practices seek a deal or stay independent? How has private equity impacted the market? He answered those questions and many more. 

The healthcare giant's shift in strategy puts an increased focus on systems used by electrophysiologists and interventional cardiologists to manage and treat cardiovascular disease.

Johnson & Johnson is selling key assets related to its Laminar program to a new startup, Jaguar LAA. This comes less than three years after Johnson & Johnson acquired Laminar for $400 million. 

A new survey put a spotlight on the staffing issues rural cardiology practices and health systems face on a daily basis. 

Readmission rates are getting lower over time among patients treated at nonprofit hospitals. At for-profit facilities, meanwhile, readmission rates have stayed relatively unchanged.

The ACCESS model is designed help more patients get treated and managed with advanced technologies. In addition to heart failure, improved coverage has been announced for Medicare beneficiaries battling COPD, substance use disorders and nicotine dependence.