The National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) created a video for physicians and hospital administrators that explains the basics of value-based purchasing. The video focuses on the shift from fee-for-service models to efforts to reward quality care and improved outcomes, and how registries can help measure and achieve those goals.

eClinicalWorks®, a leader in ambulatory healthcare IT solutions, today announced that Arkansas Heart Hospital, a nationally recognized and award-winning hospital dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease, has selected eClinicalWorks comprehensive electronic health records (EHR) solution for all of its clinic locations. Tight integration with the organization’s laboratory and cardio diagnostics systems will extend the benefits of this technology. 

Decision trees sometimes overshadow clinical decision making, but physicians and patients can counter that trend with an emphasis on personalized medicine. That is the thesis of the book “When Doctors Don’t Listen: How to Avoid Misdiagnoses and Unnecessary Tests,” which was reviewed in the New York Times. The book is written by two emergency room physicians who offer examples of cookbook medicine, insights and cautionary tales.

The Colloquium announced April 1 that IU Health Blackford Hospital became the first critical care access hospital in America to achieve Colloquium Heart Failure Accreditation.

To avoid readmission penalties, some hospitals delegate resources to programs designed to keep patients from re-entering their doors. But are  hospitals that lack such resources being unduly punished? The New York Times explored the issue.

Some service line champions are calling these structures into service to help them maximize their potential. 

In February 2012, the 117-bed TriStar Centennial Heart & Vascular Center in Nashville, Tenn., started considering ways to expand its success as a STEMI-referral site. The center turned to AirStrip Cardiology to put access to real-time EKG data in the palm of the physicians’ hands. Physicians can now view EKG data via iPad or iPhone before the patient even reaches the hospital. Sponsored by an educational grant from AirStrip.

Please watch this webcast and Q&A with clinical, administrative and IT leaders answering questions and addressing your concerns regarding the implementation of a cardiology PACS system.