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.
Jeffrey Kuvin, MD, one of the leading voices behind efforts to create a new Board of Cardiovascular Medicine, spoke with Cardiovascular Business about where things stand today.
Hospital employment models, reimbursement policies and private equity have all led to a massive reduction in the number of cardiologists working for a private practice, ACC President Cathie Biga, MSN, told Cardiovascular Business.
Sunil Rao, MD, director of interventional cardiology at NYU Langone, says DanGer Shock is a "very, very important study" when it comes to the treatment of cardiogenic shock.
Foluso Fakorede, MD, an interventional cardiologist with Cardiovascular Solutions of Central Mississippi, says these issues are typically overlooked in today's healthcare environment.
Automated AI-generated measurements combined with annotated CT images can improve treatment planning and help referring physicians and patients better understand their disease, explained Sarah Jane Rinehart, MD, director of cardiac imaging with Charleston Area Medical Center.
Alison Bailey, MD, co-chair of the business of cardiology sessions at ACC.24, emphasized that reimbursement cuts can have a long-term negative impact on patient.
Alexander Fanaroff, MD, said the late-breaking BE ACTIVE clinical trial presented at ACC.24 offers a blueprint for how to get patients to be more physically active.
