Care Delivery

This channel includes news on cardiovascular care delivery, including how patients are diagnosed and treated, cardiac care guidelines, policies or legislation impacting patient care, device recalls that may impact patient care, and cardiology practice management.

Hospitals serving Medicaid patients prepare to take proposed payment caps on the chin
New federal limits on state-directed payments are set to cut Medicaid funding in most states. Hospitals are expected to bear the brunt since they account for the majority—84%, around $78B a year—of state-directed healthcare spends.
Nationwide nursing-home picture comes into focus with new analysis
Either the stakeholders issuing the warnings overstated the risk of widespread closings—or COVID-era emergency funds succeeded in heading off a calamity of national proportions. Either way, patient access has taken a hit here and there.
Cardiologists and surgeons share early feedback after CMS proposed sweeping TAVR changes
Major TAVR policy changes appear to be on the way—should clinicians be excited or concerned? Leading U.S. medical societies are sharing their early reactions.
Humana exits $900M position in end-of-life provider Gentiva
The Kentucky-based insurance giant had owned a 40% stake in the hospice company, stemming from its 2021 acquisition of Kindred Healthcare. Humana said a “consortium of investors" is making the buy, but few details were revealed.
TAVR concerns: Cardiologists, patient family members question quality of care at rural hospital
A failed TAVR procedure has left one family unsure about where things went wrong.

CT-FFR before TAVR improves detection of coronary artery disease, limits invasive imaging exams

CT-FFR, which recently got a boost from the 2021 AHA/ACC chest pain guidelines, could play a key role for clinicians hoping to screen TAVR patients for coronary heart disease.

Balloon valvuloplasty months after implantation is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with transcatheter heart valve (THV) dysfunction, according to a new analysis published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology

Late balloon valvuloplasty safe and effective for patients with THV dysfunction

The median time from heart valve implantation to balloon dilatation was 4.6 months.

When PPE is not enough: Improved shielding during EVAR linked to ‘dramatic reduction’ in radiation exposure

“Improving ancillary shielding barriers is paramount,” according to the authors of a brand new analysis.

Anthem completes acquisition of Integra Managed Care

The deal brings Integra’s more than 40,000 Medicaid members and network of care management teams to Anthem, which serves more than 118 million people.

DOJ now investigating Cerebral for ADHD prescribing practices

As a result, the company stated it will pause the practice of prescribing controlled substances as a treatment for ADHD such as Adderall and Ritalin for new patients starting May 9.

Flu shots lower CVD risk, new meta-analysis confirms

The study's authors tracked data from six different randomized controlled trials, including a large study from 2021 that focused on myocardial infarction patients.

Nearly 1 in 4 physicians report workplace mistreatment

As physician burnout continues to plague the healthcare industry, a new survey reveals a high prevalence of workplace mistreatment.

Cardiologist charged with 4 additional counts of sexual assault after more patients come forward

The 66-year-old cardiologist was first charged with sexual assault in 2022 after a patient accused him of touching her inappropriately. Now, more patients have stepped forward with similar stories.

Care Delivery

Hospitals serving Medicaid patients prepare to take proposed payment caps on the chin

Nationwide nursing-home picture comes into focus with new analysis

Cardiologists and surgeons share early feedback after CMS proposed sweeping TAVR changes

Humana exits $900M position in end-of-life provider Gentiva

TAVR concerns: Cardiologists, patient family members question quality of care at rural hospital