Cardiology and radiology physicians continued to earn some of the highest levels of compensation in 2012 compared with other specialties despite some categories experiencing a year-to-year decline.

What is the first thing one newly enrolled customer did after her insurance coverage took effect? She set up an appointment with a cardiologist. The New York Times offers a glimpse of how hospitals have prepared for an influx of new patients under the Affordable Care Act.

Despite the largely unfavorable view of the Affordable Care Act and its potential impact on the U.S. healthcare system held by the majority of the public and many politicians, a blog published online in Health Affairs argued that healthcare leaders do not share such a pessimistic outlook. A survey found that 65 percent of executives believe the healthcare system will improve because of the new law.

The Senate passed a compromise budget agreement that includes a patch on the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula through March 31, 2014. The patch temporarily puts a 24 percent cut in Medicare reimbursement on hold.

It appears that the detested sustainable growth rate formula finally may be repealed in 2014. The replacement likely will lean heavily on provisions designed to ensure value for patients and payers.

When it comes to healthcare spending, what is good for the gander appears to be not so good for the goose, according to a study published online Dec. 12 in the American Journal of Public Health.

The aggregate cost for hospital stays in the U.S. surpassed $387 billion in 2011, with five cardiovascular conditions accounting for about 13 percent of the total.

Although most medical residency programs are aware of the need for a curriculum focused on cutting patient-care costs, few programs actually offer one, according to a research letter published online Dec. 16 in JAMA Internal Medicine.