Quality

The focus of quality improvement in healthcare is to bolster performance and processes related to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Leaders in this space also ensure the proper selection of imaging exams and procedures, and monitor the safety of services, among other duties. Reimbursement programs such as the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) utilize financial incentives to improve quality. This also includes setting and maintaining care quality initiatives, such as the requirements set by the Joint Commission.

A team of cardiologists from Cleveland Clinic and Stanford University recently tested ChatGPT, the popular artificial intelligence (AI) model, to see if it could accurately answer questions about preventive cardiology and cardiovascular disease. The model performed well, only missing a handful of questions, and the researchers concluded that ChatGPT showed considerable potential. Cleveland Clinic cardiologist Ashish Sarraju, MD, was the lead author of that study. #ChartGPT

ChatGPT and cardiology: A close look at the strengths and weaknesses of AI chatbots

Ashish Sarraju, MD, a cardiologist with Cleveland Clinic, discussed his recent research on ChatGPT, its potential to change patient care and more. 

February 17, 2023
artificial intelligence AI deep learning ChatGPT OpenAI Microsoft Google

Cardiologists ask popular AI model ChatGPT to answer questions about cardiology

Can ChatGPT discuss preventive cardiology with patients? Cardiologists with Cleveland Clinic and Stanford University put the popular AI model to the test, sharing their findings in JAMA.

February 9, 2023
Tablet projecting metaphorical medical hologram

New guideline on mechanical circulatory support tackles device selection, ethical dilemmas and more

The Heart Failure Society of America and International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation worked together on the document, hoping their recommendations serve as a "critical roadmap" for clinicians. 

February 8, 2023
With advances and increased experience in the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), same-day discharge (SDD) has become increasingly commonplace, but patient selection is key. Antithrombotic therapy may not be necessary for certain transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients, according to a new analysis published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

Greater access to TAVR linked to better patient outcomes

How does access to care influence short-term TAVR outcomes? Researchers explored data from nearly 22,000 patients to find out. 

February 7, 2023
A heart team working together during a TAVR procedure at Emory. The success of the heart team approach has has made it a model for care collaborations across cardiovascular care.

Comprehensive heart teams are rewriting the rules of patient care

Multidisciplinary heart teams are growing more and more popular among hospitals and health systems all over the world. What started as a way to select TAVR patients has become something much more important. 

February 6, 2023
A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure being performed at Intermountain Healthcare. Image from Intermountain Healthcare. Sex differences in TAVR one-year mortality.

TAVR and PAD: What cardiologists need to know

TAVR patients presenting with peripheral artery disease face significantly higher in-hospital risks, according to a new study published in Current Problems in Cardiology

February 6, 2023
sad crying man

More than a feeling? Social isolation, loneliness linked to a higher heart failure risk

A new study published in JACC: Heart Failure offers more evidence that a patient's feelings can strongly influence their risk of poor cardiovascular health. 

February 2, 2023
Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) therapy to break up calcified coronary lesions will now be reimbursed at a higher rate under new in-hospital codes the went into effect Oct. 1. Illustration of the Shockwave lithoplasty procedure using sonic waves to bust calcium without trauma.

Coronary IVL now recommended at all cath labs, even those without surgical backup

The latest SCAI guidance on the safety of PCI procedures included a key change that could expand coronary IVL utilization throughout the United States. 

February 1, 2023

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."

Trimed Popup
Trimed Popup