New codes for these technologies have made a world of difference for clinicians. Reimbursement for the use of AI is an area where cardiology is far ahead of most other healthcare specialties.
The law reflects growing interest in using existing imaging studies to identify cardiovascular disease risk without requiring additional scans, radiation exposure or costs.
"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.
MRI scans have traditionally been used for extracellular volume assessments. That is starting to change, however, as cardiac CT moves beyond its typical focus on the coronary arteries.
More than 95% of congenital heart patients now survive into adulthood, leaving clinicians with much more ground to cover than ever before. Providing high-quality care for these patients requires specialty care as well as collaborations with general cardiologists.
Advocates say the shift to CCTA can translate into a broader financial impacts, with some cath labs potentially seeing margin increases of as much as 40%.
Digital twins may be used in the near future to help clinicians plan ahead before EP ablation procedures. They could preview how the patient's heart will react to treatment, for example, increasing the odds of a positive outcome.
Implementing advanced AI models into daily practice takes much more than simply installing software. It requires a clinical champion and multiple stakeholders to coordinate the effort.
Energy savings from using lower-power modes can range from about one-third to as much as two-thirds, and that savings can translate directly into lower operating costs.
