Researchers at the Mayo Clinic designed and validated an algorithm using billing codes that accurately identifies people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) in a community-based sample.

Implementing a resident handoff bundle decreased error rates and improved care processes and workflow, researchers reported in the Dec. 4 issue of JAMA. Using a computerized handoff also cut down on omission of key data.

With increased penalties in effect for hospitals with excessive readmissions for heart attack and heart failure, the American College of Cardiology is launching a program that applies a team approach to keeping patients at home and healthy after discharge.

The Leapfrog Group released its list of top hospitals based on results from 1,324 facilities. Winners include 55 urban, 22 rural and 13 children’s hospitals.

A trial program designed to incentivize the achievement of quality improvement goals in cardiovascular care received positive feedback from participating physicians, according to a report in the November issue of the American Journal of Managed Care.

A medical technician who was charged with infecting patients with the Hepatitis C virus while working in a catheterization lab in New Hampshire and in other positions received a 39-year prison term for tampering with a controlled substance and fraud.

As part of its guidelines for treating anemia and iron deficiency in adults with heart disease, the American College of Physicians recommended limiting red blood cell transfusions to patients with a hemoglobin less than 7 g/dL and avoiding erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in patients who are mildly to moderately anemic with congestive heart failure or coronary heart disease.

There is considerable variability in the rates of transfer of heart attack patients among hospitals that do not perform catheterization procedures, according to a study published online Dec. 2 in JAMA Internal Medicine.