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The doctor, 76, admitted to billing multiple insurance providers for office visits that never happened at all.

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In addition, cardiologists average an additional $75,000 per year in incentive-based bonuses. That number is only higher for two other specialties. 

Abbott’s HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has been implanted in thousands of U.S. patients in recent years.According to a new investigative report from CBS News and KFF Health News, however, safety data related to the device have raised questions in certain parts of the healthcare industry.

The issue at the center of this recall, which includes both the HeartMate II and HeartMate 3 LVAD, is the gradual buildup of biological materials. This can impact the device's performance, creating a heightened risk of injury or death. 

Video of Gregg Stone, MD, explaining the late-breaking RELIEVE-HF trial he presented at ACC.24 this week. #ACC24 #ACC2024

Gregg Stone, MD, explains the details of the late-breaking RELIEVE-HF trial at ACC.24, where an inter-atrial shunt improved symptoms in HFrEF, but not in HFpEF patients.

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

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. The CardioVascular Coalition and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions have both issued new statements highlighting their issues with the 2024 MPFS proposed rule. 

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. 

Simpsons Interventions, a California-based healthcare technology company, has received the FDA’s breakthrough device designation for its Acolyte Image Guided Crossing and Re-Entry Catheter System. SCAI released the list of its late-breaking clinical study trials at its 2022 annual meeting. #SCAI #SCAI22 #SCAI2022

The new device delivers real-time OCT visualization during revascularization procedures.

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 at ACC.24. #ACC24 #ACC2024

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. 

A gavel and a stethoscope

The interventional cardiologist allegedly 'entered into a conspiracy' with other area providers to interfere with recruiting efforts. He has now responded to the allegations, however, and is not backing down. 

HF-related mortality among older adults improved from 1999 to 2012, but then decreased considerably over the next several years. Researchers explored the latest data at length, sharing their findings in JACC: Heart Failure.

AVR patients may require a longer hospitalization if they present with pre-existing or new-onset AFib.

Elderly patient doctor. Despite an expanded indication from the FDA and lower prices, patient access to these cholesterol-lowering medications remains a significant issue.

New research published in Diabetes provides some potential answers to a big question. 

New research out of the Yale School of Public Health suggests that patients taking beta-blockers or antiplatelet medications may want to be extra careful in warmer weather.

The study's authors wrote that additional research is warranted to assess whether testing for mental stress–induced ischemia provides value.

Around the web

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

Philips introduced a new CT system at ECR aimed at the rapidly growing cardiac CT market, incorporating numerous AI features to optimize workflow and image quality.