COVID-19

Outside of the loss of human life due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the past two years have greatly affected hospitals, health systems and the way providers deliver care. Healthcare executives are grappling with federal monetary assistance, growing burnout rates, workforce shortages and federal oversight of vaccines and testing. This channel is also designed to update clinicians on new research and guidelines regarding COVID patient treatment strategies and risk assessments.

CDC: Pediatric COVID vaccines reduce ER trips by 76%
In a new data analysis from nine states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the protective effect tapers off as juveniles age, with 5-17 year olds seeing fewer trips to urgent care or the emergency room at a rate of 56%. Overall, the agency said evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccines are still effective.
Medicare data reveal ‘highly concerning’ TAVR trends—are hospital rankings to blame?
Hospitals could be turning away high-risk heart patients to help their TAVR programs receive a higher ranking, according to new research published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.
COVID-19, other infections linked to major cardiovascular risks—researchers push for vaccination
Adults are three times as likely to have a heart attack or stroke after a COVID-19 infection than when they are healthy. The risks are even greater for the flu.
Provider participation in Medicare rose 6.3% over 10 years, peaking in 2019
A new study published in JAMA, which looked at fee-for-service Medicare records from 2013–2023, found that overall participation has trended upward. However, the details paint a complicated picture.
Medicare telehealth reimbursement returns to pre-COVID framework
Without a formal extension before the government shutdown, the flexible telemedicine reimbursement policies introduced in 2020 that removed regional barriers for Medicare patients have officially ended.

Exhaustion and solidarity: Cardiologists share experiences from front lines of COVID-19 pandemic

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) is collecting first-hand accounts from healthcare workers all over the world who have been diagnosing, treating and caring for COVID-19 patients.

COVID-19 cases cause big losses for hospitals

Hospitals are facing “massive losses” treating patients with COVID-19––even with higher reimbursement for service, according to a new study from Strata Decision.

Risk of death skyrockets when COVID-19 patients have both CVD and myocardial injury

Mortality rates for COVID-19 patients jump significantly when they have underlying cardiovascular disease (CVD) and myocardial injury, according to new research out of China.

Putting it all on the line: Caring for COVID-19 patients leads to depression, distress for healthcare workers

Healthcare workers diagnosing, treating and caring for COVID-19 patients are experiencing a significant psychological burden and may develop poor mental health outcomes.

More cardiology conferences canceled over COVID-19 concerns

Healthcare conferences all over the world have been delayed or canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and two more significant cancellations have been announced that impact cardiology professionals.

Aetna waives costs for COVID-19 treatment

Health insurer Aetna, owned by CVS Health, has opted to waive cost-sharing and co-pays for commercially insured members of the company when it comes to care for COVID-19.

Cardiac injury in COVID-19 patients associated with higher in-hospital mortality

Cardiac injury is common among patients hospitalized with COVID-19, according to new research out of Wuhan, China. The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, also found that cardiac injuries were associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality.

AHA commits $2.5M to COVID-19 research

The American Heart Association (AHA) has set aside $2.5 million to fund cardiovascular and cerebrovascular research into the new coronavirus.

COVID-19

CDC: Pediatric COVID vaccines reduce ER trips by 76%

Medicare data reveal ‘highly concerning’ TAVR trends—are hospital rankings to blame?

COVID-19, other infections linked to major cardiovascular risks—researchers push for vaccination

Provider participation in Medicare rose 6.3% over 10 years, peaking in 2019

Medicare telehealth reimbursement returns to pre-COVID framework