American College of Cardiology (ACC)

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the primary U.S. medical society representing the interests of all cardiology subspecialities. The ACC is very active in setting guidelines for cardiac care, lobbying for supportive government policy and reimbursements, clinician education, managing several key cardiovascular registries and advocating for the transformation of cardiovascular care to improve heart health.

Healthcare systems set up at the ACC.24 career fair in hopes of filling open positions, including a large and growing number of general cardiologist positions. Photo by Dave Fornell #ACC24 #ACC2024

The growing shortage or general cardiologists and recruiting crisis in rural America

There is a rapidly growing shortage in general cardiologists and for positions in rural areas, numerous healthcare system recruiters set up at the ACC reported.

Medicare money payment physician

Critics call out ‘woefully inadequate’ CMS proposal for inpatient Medicare payments

CMS has issued its proposed rule for the 2025 Medicare hospital inpatient prospective payment system, suggesting a payment increase of 2.6%. According to the American Hospital Association, this update would not be enough at a time when hospitals are already struggling to stay open. 

Video of Howard Herrmann, MD, explaining the details of the SMART trial that looked at TAVR in small annulus and found self-expanding TAVR valves work better in these patients than balloon-expanding TAVR.

Cardiologist highlights key takeaways from SMART trial, which looked at TAVR in small annulus patients

Howard C. Herrmann, MD, principal investigator of the SMART trial, discussed his team's research on self-expanding vs. balloon-expandable TAVR valves in patients with small annuli. 

doctor examines patient data on their tablet

TAVR, SAVR both linked to low reintervention rates after five years

While most TAVR-related reinterventions occurred in the first year after treatment, most SAVR-related reinterventions occurred in years two through five. The team's full analysis is available in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

ACC attendees get training on how to place a temporary pacemaker in the hands-on simulation lab at ACC.24. Photo by Dave Fornell

ACC in-person attendance surpasses pre-COVID numbers for first time 

"We were thrilled with the meeting and the attendance," ACC President Cathie Biga, RN, told Cardiovascular Business.

ACC.24: New data suggest early PCI limits risks of vulnerable plaques—cardiologists are skeptical

The PREVENT study, presented at ACC.24, examined more than 1,600 patients with high-risk plaques treated with either preventive PCI or medical therapy alone. Outcomes were much better for the PCI group after two years, but the findings may lead to more questions than answers. 

Newsweek ranked the 50 best heart hospitals in the world

ACC.24: TAVR linked to lower 1-year mortality, stroke rates than SAVR in low-risk patients

TAVR is noninferior to SAVR when treating low-risk patients, according to new data presented at ACC.24. In fact, it is associated with multiple benefits over surgery.

ACC.24 sign American College of Cardiology

ACC.24: Impella CP boosts survival for patients with STEMI-related cardiogenic shock

“This is the first time in a very long time that we have a positive study for managing cardiogenic shock,” one cardiologist said.