Quality

The focus of quality improvement in healthcare is to bolster performance and processes related to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Leaders in this space also ensure the proper selection of imaging exams and procedures, and monitor the safety of services, among other duties. Reimbursement programs such as the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) utilize financial incentives to improve quality. This also includes setting and maintaining care quality initiatives, such as the requirements set by the Joint Commission.

Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 glucose monitor

Abbott warns that device batteries may overheat or catch fire

The company emphasized that the issues are quite rare. No devices are being recalled, and it is not recommended that customers stop using them. 

April 5, 2023
Medicare money payment physician. The CardioVascular Coalition and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions have both issued new statements highlighting their issues with the 2024 MPFS proposed rule. 

TAVR costs vary significantly from one hospital to the next

According to a new study of more than 119,000 hospitalizations, the costs associated with TAVR are far from consistent. 

April 3, 2023
Interventional cardiologists performing PCI

Transradial access should be ‘default strategy’ for PCI, new study confirms

Researchers explored data from nearly 25,000 PCI procedures, tracking the outcomes of patients treated with transradial access and transfemoral access. 

March 30, 2023
venture capital corporate suit business corporatization

Medtronic, Edwards among the healthcare organizations chosen as World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2023

The annual list, now in its 17th year, was designed to celebrate companies that make ethical business practices a high priority. 

March 16, 2023
The SAPIEN 3 Ultra (S3U) transcatheter heart valve from Edwards Lifesciences is

Next-generation TAVR valve delivers strong outcomes, reduced PVL after one year

A team of specialists examined new outcomes data related to the SAPIEN 3 Ultra transcatheter heart valve, sharing its findings in EuroIntervention.

March 15, 2023
Nurse checking in patient

Structural heart clinics see key benefits from improved referral tracking

Sponsored by Medtronic

Identifying patients with severe aortic stenosis who could potentially benefit from transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is very important—but managing and tracking them over time can be quite a challenge.

March 14, 2023
When the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association collaborated on new valvular heart disease (VHD) guidelines in 2020, the two groups highlighted the importance of interventional treatment options such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, an estimated one-third of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) in the U.S. still lack a guideline-recommended treatment plan, dramatically lowering their chances of survival. Doctor at computer

Data mining helps hospitals identify new patients in need of TAVR, other structural heart procedures

Sponsored by Medtronic

When the ACC and AHA collaborated on new valvular heart disease guidelines in 2020, the two groups highlighted the importance of interventional treatment options such as TAVR. However, an estimated one-third of patients with severe aortic stenosis in the U.S. still lack a guideline-recommended treatment plan.

March 14, 2023
In-hospital complications are more common among women who undergo LAAO than men. However, according to a new study in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions, men and women have similar long-term outcomes.

What new data tell us about TAVR in women with a history of early menopause

Researchers examined data from more than 700 TAVR patients, publishing their findings in the American Journal of Cardiology.

March 9, 2023

Around the web

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

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