WHY TAVR? When TAVR first emerged, this procedure was primarily performed in academic, quaternary, tertiary-type centers. But as time goes on, more and more community-based open-heart centers are offering TAVR as well. There is no question that TAVR is growing at a rapid pace, but there are many more entrants into the market. At Corazon…
In the past, hospitals were organized around departments or services like the catheterization lab, non-invasive labs, outpatient cardiology offices, etc. In contrast, a service line is organized around programs or patient types regardless of where they originate (inpatient, outpatient, and ambulatory care centers). The goal of organizing this way is to create value by leveraging…
Quality has always been a factor that carries significant weight among consumers when seeking new products or services. When considering quality in healthcare, it is the foundation upon which a strong reputation and overall success of an organization is built. Certainly, consumers are driven to healthcare institutions that pride themselves on high-quality care, and many…
WHY MOVE FROM PSC TO THROMBECTOMY CAPABLE? When mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for the treatment of ischemic stroke first emerged, it was exclusively performed in comprehensive stroke centers (CSC). But as time passed, more and more community-based hospitals began to offer MT as well after several clinical trials demonstrated the efficacy the procedure, regardless of setting. …
While researching statistics related to the ongoing access issue for mechanical thrombectomy treatment for large vessel occlusion stroke, I found information that estimated the current number of Baby Boomers in the 73 million range. And, while certainly the 2020 census will further refine that number to show the impact of this generation on America’s age…
At the center of every clinical service line is the physician compliment that delivers care in what arguably may be the most impactful way. A patient’s experience with their physician can many times outweigh all other aspects, important as they are, of the continuum of care. Seasoned Service Line Leaders know that the cost of…
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was first introduced in 1974 by pioneer Andreas Grüntzig and has evolved to include multiple devices in the treatment of complex coronary anatomy. The use of PCI has progressively grown over the past 30 years, mostly in part due to expanded indications, improved equipment, the continued evolution of coronary stents, along…
“Sometimes, the best deals made are those in which both parties feel as though they have left something on the table.” To quote a healthcare attorney who had just inked a deal between a hospital and a group of physician investors for the development of a co-management agreement, this was his perspective, and quite possibly,…
As hospitals plan for a post-COVID healthcare landscape, one of the important factors to consider will be how patients can know it is “safe” to go back to the hospital. It evokes thoughts of the Jaws 2 poster as many remain conflicted about the safety of visiting restaurants, friends, and other places outside of the…
The new ACC valvular heart disease guidelines, released in 2020, recognize the expanding role of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and the intervention choices available for a patient with severe aortic stenosis. This focused update provides evidence-based recommendations to optimize care and management of patients with valvular heart disease, and highlights the expanding indications for…
