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.

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.
Saint Mary’s awarded $510M in damages in lawsuit against Universal Health Services
Universal Health Services was found by a jury to be liable for fraud in an alleged scheme to destabilize Saint Mary’s during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ruling includes punitive damages.

What the COVID-19 pandemic means for cath labs

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the practice of cardiology as we know it, leading to supplies shortages, delayed procedures, and an at-risk patient population fearful of the road ahead. How has the outbreak affected cath labs?

Making an impact: AHA outlines its role during COVID-19 pandemic

The American Heart Association (AHA) has shared a detailed account of its role as the world continues to fight against the spread of the new coronavirus.

A new warning for heart patients as COVID-19 continues to spread

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has published a statement warning patients with certain medical conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, to be “extra vigilant” as the new coronavirus continues to spread.

Patients with COVID-19 should keep taking key CVD medications

Patients with cardiovascular disease should continue taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) as prescribed if they are diagnosed with the new coronavirus (COVID-19), according to a joint statement from three medical societies.

ACC issues COVID-19 guidance for cardiologists

Just days before the American College of Cardiology canceled its annual scientific sessions for the first time in the meeting’s 69-year history, it released a set of guidelines for cardiology care teams dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak.

Hypertension ‘a key dangerous factor’ in COVID-19 mortality

Hypertensive patients may be at a greater risk of dying from COVID-19, the viral disease stemming from the world’s largest coronavirus outbreak to date, according to Bloomberg News.

AHRA cancels upcoming conference in San Diego amid COVID-19 worries

The Association for Medical Imaging Management is the latest medical group to postpone or cancel its annual meetings amid the coronavirus outbreak.

ACC.20/WCC canceled amid COVID-19 outbreak

ACC.20/WCC, the joint meeting of the American College of Cardiology and World Congress of Cardiology set for March 28-30 in Chicago, has been cancelled amid worries about the COVID-19 outbreak.

COVID-19

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

Saint Mary’s awarded $510M in damages in lawsuit against Universal Health Services