American Medical Association (AMA)

The American Medical Association (AMA) is the largest professional association and lobbying group of physicians and medical students. The AMA mission is to promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health. The association represents physicians with a unified voice in courts and legislative bodies across the nation, removing obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading efforts to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises, and driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in healthcare.

Confirmed: AFib ablation more beneficial for patients with HFrEF than those with HFpEF
Researchers explored data from nearly 2,500 AFib ablation patients, sharing their findings in JAMA Cardiology.
Donor hearts more likely to be accepted when the transplant candidate is female or white
"This finding suggests racial and gender bias as a potential contributor to the organ acceptance decision-making process," researchers wrote in JAMA.
Cardiologists received $1.3B in industry payments over 10-year period, No. 3 among all healthcare specialties
Only orthopedic surgeons and neurologists/psychiatrists received more industry payments from 2013 to 2022 than cardiologists. Also, the two prescription medications associated with the most physician payments were a blood thinner and an anticoagulant.
Cardiologists share historic research that led to FDA’s long-awaited approval of coronary DCB
When Boston Scientific’s coronary DCB gained approval in the United States, it was a moment the country's cardiologists had been looking forward to for years. The cardiologists who researched the device have now detailed their findings, highlighting the "unmet need" this technology is addressing.
Falls, infections much more likely among Medicare patients treated at private equity-owned hospitals
Private equity is becoming more and more influential in many healthcare specialties, including cardiology. This has prompted increased speculation about the impact such investments may have on patient outcomes.

Prior authorization under fire in Inspector General investigation

An investigation from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) regarding prior authorization requirements in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans revealed concerns about access to care.

April 29, 2022

Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, PhD, MD, is the new editor of JAMA.

AMA appoints new editor of JAMA

The American Medical Association (AMA) has named Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, MD, PhD, MAS, as its next editor for the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and JAMA Network.

April 11, 2022

A cardiology practice in Florida and several of its cardiologists have agreed to pay $2 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act and committed fraud. As a part of the agreement, there has been no determination of liability.

UnitedHealth, Change Healthcare extend merger agreement, adding $650M breakup fee if DOJ suit prevails

The two companies said the agreement reflects their commitment to combining and desire to fight the Department of Justice's "meritless legal challenge to this merger."

April 6, 2022

‘Deeply troubled’: Doc groups blast MedPAC call for zero physician services pay update in 2023

Congress has provided billions in relief during the public health emergency, and patient volumes continue to rebound, the commission contended.

March 16, 2022

Healthcare groups urge Congress to extend hospital-at-home waivers

Dozens of healthcare groups have banded together to ask Congress to extend waivers for hospital care at home that were granted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 14, 2022

Driven by its strategic goal to advance equity in the U.S. healthcare innovation sector, the American Medical Association (AMA) recently announced an initiative that supports leading industry stakeholders in committing to equitable health innovation opportunities targeted to improving health outcomes in historically marginalized communities. #Healthdisparities

AMA launches initiative to support more equitable health innovation

The AMA created initiative to supports leading industry stakeholders in committing to equitable health innovation opportunities targeted to improving health outcomes in historically marginalized communities.

March 9, 2022

Prior authorization burdens are increasing

Healthcare leaders agree prior authorization burdens are increasing.

March 7, 2022

Medical societies are asking Congress to be involved in Medicare reform efforts.

About 100 medical societies ask Congress to be involved in Congressional efforts to reform Medicare

Nearly 100 professional healthcare societies have asked Congress to include them in any discussions related to Medicare reform.

February 28, 2022

American Medical Association (AMA)

Confirmed: AFib ablation more beneficial for patients with HFrEF than those with HFpEF

Donor hearts more likely to be accepted when the transplant candidate is female or white

Cardiologists received $1.3B in industry payments over 10-year period, No. 3 among all healthcare specialties

Cardiologists share historic research that led to FDA’s long-awaited approval of coronary DCB

Falls, infections much more likely among Medicare patients treated at private equity-owned hospitals