Initiating a vascular program into your practice has its challenges, but in this economy, its a move that should be pursued, says John O. Goodman, in a commentary appearing in this Endovascular Portal.Hospitals and practices are reviewing all phases of their operations to determine what can be eliminated or streamlined for better efficiencies. In these tight economic times, many administrators are not even thinking about adding services to their programs. This is the perfect time, however, to consider pulling in some business from a previously unexplored patient base.

Today, most hospitals and healthcare systems consider a cardiovascular program to be their heart program. A recent industry survey asked healthcare leaders, In your opinion, which service line today has the greatest potential to produce strong revenue growth within the next three years? Not surprisingly, cardiology (i.e., heart disease) topped the list at 15 percent, while vascular received only 2 percent of votes.1

Cardiovascular Systems has completed its merger with Replidyne, a Louisville, Colo.-based biotech firm.

Recent studies suggest the staggering clinical and economic costs of critical limb ischemia can be reduced by utilizing newer treatment technologies.