Corazon’s goal in launching this interactive space is to provide our clients and colleagues in the industry with news and updates; informative posts; company offerings; and other announcements, items, or articles relevant to the cardiovascular, neuroscience, spine, and orthopedics specialties. The Service Line Experts hope this will be a stop in your search for relevant, helpful, and worthwhile information while out on the internet! Corazon’s mission has always been to create meaningful client relationships and share advice and solutions for the challenges hospitals and practices face today. Bookmark this page and be sure to check back for ongoing updates!
The holiday season is here, often seen as a time of joy and celebration; however, it can also be a period of significant stress for many people. The pressure to meet social expectations, financial strain, and the hectic holiday preparations can negatively impact our mental and physical health, especially our cardiovascular health. Consider the Holiday…
In the ever-evolving field of healthcare, maintaining high standards of patient care and continuous process improvement is paramount. One of the most effective tools to achieve these goals is peer review. This blog explores the importance of peer review, the differences between proactive and reactive approaches, how to engage reluctant practitioners and the unique benefits…
One week per year, Perioperative Nursing is celebrated in hospitals and surgery centers across the country. Established by the House of Delegates of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) in 1979, this is a special time to celebrate and champion perioperative nurses for their excellence in nursing practice and dedication to the care of…
The recommended standard for best practices recommending a door to balloon time for ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) patients to be ≤ 90 minutes was established in the 2013 American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Guidelines for STEMI. This has remained the accepted industry standard. But 2013 was a long time ago, and although…
When determining growth strategies for cardiovascular and thoracic programs and services within your hospital or hospital system, it’s crucial to assess the demographic and competitive healthcare landscape of your service delivery area. Understanding the community (market) needs and determining the appropriate number of providers to support growth strategies is foundational. One approach involves utilizing specific…
During a recent webinar, we showcased our market analysis and business planning collaboration with Coffee Regional Medical Center to establish a Bariatric and Metabolic Center in Douglas, GA. Fueled by a grant from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), Coffee Regional took bold steps to address the pressing issue of obesity in their community. The…
In the complex world of healthcare, coding is much more than a mundane administrative task. It’s an art form that, when mastered, can unlock significant revenue potential, streamline operations, and ensure the financial health of vital programs—like those dedicated to stroke care. In this blog, we’ll explore the critical role coding plays in maximizing the…
As a consultant, I often evaluate cardiovascular services. Whether it is a large academic medical center with more than 1,000 beds, offering a full suite of cardiac services including complex cardiovascular surgery, or a small community hospital with less than 100 beds, offering limited cardiac services. The goal is always the same – to provide…
Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of co-presenting with Dr. Arnold Seto, Cath Lab Director, Long Beach VA Medical Center, Private Practitioner, Cardiovascular Care Inc., Professor of Medicine, Charles Drew University, Associate Professor of Medicine, UC-Irvine, and Treasurer, SCAI at our spring conference in Scottsdale, AZ. We began our conversation with what’s in and…
One of Corazon’s Spring 2024 Conference Breakout Sessions offered was entitled “Key Neuroscience Strategic Considerations: When to Elevate Your Stroke Program Beyond Primary Stroke. I had the privilege of speaking with Cory Ferrier, Vice President of Business Development at Adventist Health, Semi Valley and Craig Brubaker, PhD, Vice President, Neuroscience Institute, AdventHealth Orlando. The presentation…
During a moderated session at Corazon’s national conference in May 2024, I was honored to host three respected panelists, Rajiv Narula, MD, Doreen Bearden, and Sunita Vadakath, to provide their expert insights into the challenges service lines face in today’s healthcare ecosystem. We asked approximately 150 healthcare leaders what service line challenges keep them up…
Move over Baby Boomers, Xers, and Millennials – Generation Z is stepping into the workforce with a burst of energy and a wave of innovation, reshaping industries and redefining workplace dynamics. Born into a digital era and driven by a desire for meaningful impact, this tech-savvy and socially conscious generation brings fresh perspectives, unparalleled adaptability,…
As the pandemic ushered in site-of-care shifts and new care models that were driven out of clinical necessity, care has forever been changed. We are seeing declining inpatient use rates and accelerated shifts to outpatient models, which resulted in increasing innovation in the delivery of care within the home and ambulatory setting. These are just…
In our modern world, technology surrounds us at every turn. From smartphones and laptops to smartwatches and tablets, we are constantly connected to a digital realm that can consume our attention and time. While technology undoubtedly brings convenience and efficiency to our lives, there’s something to be said about the value of unplugging and disconnecting…
One of the key stakeholders necessary for success of any service line, new program, or service expansion is the referring physician. As a consultant and previously as a service line administrator, I have witnessed the power of physician engagement through thoughtful involvement of physicians in foundational decisions tied to new or expanding hospital programs or…
Nearly every professional in every industry can likely relate to covering for a colleague who has been out sick, on leave for an extended period, or gaining additional responsibilities for someone who’s left the organization completely. For large organizations as a whole, this scenario may not seem like a problem, but for the smaller teams…
The Advisory Board recently presented several trends related to information that CEOs need to know in 2024. Several of the key areas were that hospitals are seeing higher acuity patients, there are higher levels of adverse events with declining quality overall, and health systems struggle to perform financially. Many of these areas, as hospital leaders…
By 2030, the American Medical College is predicting a shortage of 124,000 physicians in both primary and specialty care, with this number continuing to increase post COVID-19. To attract and hire top talent, in a competitive environment, it is more important than ever for healthcare organizations to “Roll Out the Red Carpet” when interviewing physicians. According…
Although Heart Month is coming to an end, it doesn’t mean you should stop being on top of your heart health! We all assume having a dog would help your health; you go for more walks, you get a sense of purpose, and you get more human interaction. But could your furry friend help with…
Within the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the advancement of stroke care has marked a significant progression towards more effective and specialized treatments. A noteworthy achievement in this trajectory is the systematic transition from primary stroke care to the attainment of thrombectomy-capable status. Primary stroke care, as the foundational tier of treatment, is meticulously designed to…
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) involve procedures to replace a damaged aortic valve with a prosthetic one through minimally invasive techniques. Building a TAVR program requires careful planning that includes collaboration and adherence to both medical and regulatory standards. Below are some overarching steps that need to be done to build a successful TAVR program.…
Hospitals and health systems are recovering from one of the worst financial years in recent history and focusing energy on achieving growth and sustainability. Although hospital margins did improve in 2023 with the median operating margin increasing to 2% according to Becker’s Hospital Review, executives are continuing to look for ways to cut costs and…
I have a close family member who took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with heart failure. He had an active and vibrant lifestyle that suddenly became a series of doctor’s appointments, medications, and lifestyle adjustments. Despite his best efforts, his health continued to deteriorate, and he eventually had to have an ICD implant.…
Every year, as many as 400,000 patients will undergo major cardiac surgery operations with anywhere from 0.7% to 8% experiencing post-surgery cardiac arrest requiring resuscitation. Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) continues to be the standard approach in the management of those experiencing cardiac arrest. While it can be an effective approach it is not the…
Total joint replacements have been a game changer in the world of orthopedics, helping millions of people suffering from joint pain and arthritis to lead a more active and pain-free life. In the past, joint replacements were performed in a hospital setting and patients would need to stay for several days after the procedure. However,…
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! That’s right, football season has once again begun, with its passionate fans and intense game-day atmosphere. Yet football can teach a variety of valuable lessons that extend beyond the sport itself. Football is not just a game played on a field, it extends beyond the field and…
In the ever-evolving field of healthcare, advancements in technology have paved the way for innovative treatments that promise better outcomes and improved quality of life for patients. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is one such revolutionary procedure that has transformed the management of aortic valve diseases, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional open-heart surgery.…
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) approved a new rule on November 9, 2023, to establish a statewide system of care for ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. The STEMI system will utilize the existing regions and Medical Control Authorities (MCAs) established for the trauma system of care in the state. The rule…
Perioperative services refer to the care provided to patients before, during, and after a surgical procedure. These services are designed to ensure safe and effective surgical care and are delivered by a team of healthcare professionals, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and support staff. Perioperative services begin with preoperative care, which includes patient evaluation and preparation…
Surgical Evaluation of Geriatric Patients by Dr. Steven Harrington: The heart, a remarkable organ that beats tirelessly throughout our lives, requires specialized care as we age. Ensuring its health means not only practicing heart-healthy lifestyle measures but also understanding the unique challenges the geriatric heart faces, particularly when surgical interventions come into play. In…
The Relationship Between Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and Cardiac Surgery Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs in 15% to 50% of adults undergoing cardiac surgery. The definition of AKI is defined by a 0.3mg/dL or 50% increase in serum creatinine from the patients’ baseline or oliguria. After using a comprehensive review of the literature, including pharmacologic…
In our rapidly evolving world, the healthcare sector stands as a beacon of continuous growth and understanding. One of the pressing discussions in recent times revolves around the rights of individuals in healthcare—rights that are respectful, inclusive, and devoid of any discrimination. As health professionals, it’s imperative that we are at the forefront of ensuring…
Choosing the Right Delivery Model Traditionally, vascular and cardiac procedures were performed in hospital-based operating rooms or specialized interventional suites. However, advancements in technology and changes in healthcare delivery models have led to the emergence of Office-based labs (OBL) and ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) as an alternative setting for certain procedures. The concept of office-based…
How AI Transforms Stroke Patient Care Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology in the field of healthcare, offering innovative solutions to enhance patient care and outcomes. One area where AI has shown great promise is in the management and treatment of stroke, a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide. By leveraging…
A Tragic Incident: The Urgent Need for Coronary Bypass Surgery Recently, a friend told me a disturbing story. Her mother was distraught because her good friend had gone to the local hospital, and it was determined that he needed emergent coronary bypass surgery. The hospital in question, which has had a cardiothoracic surgery program since…
Mechanical Thrombectomy Saves Lives Stroke is ranked as a leading cause of death for Americans according to the most recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And not only does the burden of stroke cause high mortality rates, but morbidity caused by stroke produces serious long-term disability (Tsao, 2023). Consequently, stroke…
How Can Healthcare Workers Remain Resilient During Uncertain Times? It seems recently that every time you read healthcare journals or follow stories online, the recurrent themes are leadership and/or staff layoffs and how hospital systems are financially struggling to meet operational budgets and strategic commitments. On the personal front, we are hearing daily about the…
Hospitals and health systems continue to face demanding conditions and financial challenges well into 2023, including increased administrative expenses, a healthcare worker shortage, and increased labor costs. And although there has been a stabilization in operating margins over the past several months according to several industry reports, the trendline continues to show some organizations remain…
Elevating Program Quality and Cardiovascular Patient Care We all understand the vital role that a robust cardiovascular program plays in a healthcare facility. Ensuring a quality level of patient care, achieving superior outcomes, and maintaining financial stability are key objectives for any organization. However, in an evolving healthcare landscape, how can you make your cardiovascular…
Involving Service Line Administrators in Physician Recruitment In the world of healthcare, the recruitment of qualified physicians is a critical component in the provision of quality care to patients. The hiring process is not just about finding candidates with the right credentials, but also about ensuring that the physicians have a shared vision for…
Recovering From Revenue Shortfalls Hospitals and health systems have been facing common challenges since the onset of COVID, leading to low margins for the past few years. According to Deloitte’s 2023 Outlook for Health Care, hospitals and health systems experienced consistent negative operating margins in 2022, resulting in low patient volumes, revenue decreases, and high…
In the current job market, finding qualified candidates can be challenging. However, there are common mistakes made by hospitals and health systems that can make the search process even more difficult. As a result, it’s important to realize that you are competing for every position with those who are doing it right. Great candidates have high…
Why Pursue Accreditation for Your Specialty Program? A significant purpose of any accreditation process, whether in healthcare or another industry, is to ensure adequate attention is being paid to critical aspects of a process to result in a positive outcome. In healthcare, this translates to having processes in place to guide the right care,…
“Putting predictability in an unpredictable situation is grounding and comforting to patients.” A few weeks ago, I received news that no son wants to hear, “Hello Mr. Kirkes, your 84-year-old mother is in our emergency room with a broken humerus.” My mother fell in the middle of the night while getting up to use the…
“A leader takes people where they would never go on their own.” – Hans Finzel Everyone, at some point in their lives, has built a jigsaw puzzle. Let us take a moment to reflect on that time, as that is where we’ll uncover today’s leadership lesson. OK. You just dumped out all the puzzle pieces…
The Medicare telehealth update for the physician fee schedule during 2023 is set to bring significant changes to the healthcare industry. Medicare telehealth services have become increasingly popular in recent years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated the adoption of telehealth services. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recognizes the importance of…
What is Mechanical Thrombectomy? Mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure that uses a device to remove blood clots from a blocked blood vessel, is becoming increasingly important in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. It still remains, however, severely underutilized in 2023. Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and the majority of strokes…
My Electrophysiology Story I remember the first time I saw a permanent pacemaker being placed in a cardiac cath lab by a cardiologist. At that time, it was fairly interesting given for many years these devices were implanted by a surgeon within the walls of an operating room! Boy, how times have changed. As we…
Ambulatory Surgery Center and Hospital Joint Ventures A global pandemic and economic downturn did not stop the proliferation of joint ventures between ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and hospitals. The trend continues as federal regulators expand on the types of procedures that can be performed in the ambulatory setting. Hospitals recognize the need for a surgery…
Why a Perioperative Assessment is Right for 2023 Hospitals are facing challenging economic times following the COVID Pandemic, including shrinking reimbursements, and an increasing number of patients on Medicare as the population ages. The Operating Room (OR) is typically the largest revenue generator for a hospital, though it is also a significant cost center that…
Nearing Year End– A Few Random Thoughts As we approach year-end 2022, a few random thoughts come to mind….one is heartwarming, and the other makes me chuckle! The heartwarming story jumps to mind as we are in the thick of this holiday season. I thought of a client this weekend as I challenged my granddaughter…
Cardiac Care Excellence Awards Twenty-six Corazon, Inc. partner hospitals were recently bestowed a “Cardiac Care Excellence Award” by Healthgrades as part of their annual Specialty Excellence Awards. This award serves to recognize hospitals “that deliver superior patient outcomes in heart bypass surgery, coronary interventional procedures, heart attack treatment, heart failure treatment, and heart valve surgery.”…
Open-Heart Surgery: A Cornerstone Cardiovascular Program Open-heart surgery (OHS) has long been a cornerstone of cardiovascular patient care as it encompasses some of the most clinically complex procedures that can be performed to support, renew, or improve heart function in patients. The term typically includes coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and surgical heart valve replacement…
Treating Peripheral Vascular Disease Within the past 30-40 years, there has been a technological revolution in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. Unfortunately, the healthcare industry has not always kept up with the advancements in care and in some areas, has fallen far below the potential level that is achievable. The impact on the industry…
The Importance of Discharge Medications When I look back at my career, there are certain patients that stood out. Notably, these patients were “repeat customers” who would return periodically with in-stent restenosis or progressed disease. I would wonder why some patients never seemed to require additional treatments while others routinely came back… After conversing with…
The introduction of cardiopulmonary bypass in the 1950s revolutionized the field of cardiac surgery. Fast forward to today and we are seeing how technology, innovation, and consumer demand drive the move towards less invasive methods of treatment. This move does not represent a decline in cardiac surgery, but an evolution in the way health care…
What is “system-ness”? “Systemness” is the ability to provide a consistent experience for patients, providers, and hospital staff regardless of the care setting across the continuum. It can improve patient and provider experience, lower costs, improve quality patient care, reduce risk, and increase growth. However, achieving systemness can be quite challenging. Some believe that simply having an established common…
Having over 40 years working in healthcare with 25 of those as a healthcare executive, I learned many lessons, most of which I wish I knew when I was a young man and an inexperienced executive. Over time, I came to learn that not all lessons are learned in the classroom. Here are three that I…
‘Ghosting’ – “The practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication.” The other day I was having a wonderful conversation with a Cardiothoracic Surgeon when he suddenly asked me if I had ever heard of the term “Ghosting.” When I asked why, he told me that…
“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” – Henry Ford “Because this is the way we’ve always done it”. Most of us have heard this phrase or a form of it at some point in our lives or careers. It’s like the work version of your parents saying, “because…
A CNS Educator Has Never Been More Important Given the current challenges faced around the proper acquisition and utilization of nursing resources, my work as a Corazon Interim Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Educator for hospitals across the country has never been more important, or more pressing, on so many levels. Whether it be implementing a…
With advances in Cardiology procedure technology and the goal of achieving a lower cost of care, there has been a visible shift in procedures from the inpatient to the outpatient settings. Several changes in CMS rulings in the last fifteen years have spurred an increase in office-based laboratories (“OBLs”), including catheterization laboratories and vascular access…
Selling Rural As a child growing up on a farm in rural Western Pennsylvania, no one could have convinced me that there was a better place to be. I was privileged to experience the benefits and beauty of growing up in a nature-surrounded, small-town community that supported one another. A community that is home to…
The Post-Pandemic Resignation Boom COVID-19 has challenged and changed the workplace in so many ways and we may never go back to operating how we did before the pandemic uprooted everyone’s lives. Namely, the post-pandemic resignation boom has brought employee retention issues under the spotlight. As turnover rates increase, organizations continue to face high recruiting…
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) recognizes certain programs that provide the full range of inpatient cardiac care services as Blue Distinction Centers for Cardiac Care. These programs have demonstrated quality outcomes and offer coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), heart valve surgery, and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). At the beginning of each evaluation…
Visual management is a form of communication used in management which has roots in manufacturing operations, like Lean and Six Sigma, but with opportunities to apply to many other industries, including healthcare. The goal of any visual management is to translate information into a format that is quickly and easily understood at a high…
What is the Value of Corazon’s Cardiovascular Accreditation? Corazon is known for accrediting cardiovascular programs of all sizes throughout the United States. Unlike other accrediting bodies, however, Corazon Accreditation is more than just a means to achieve state requirements. We are a strategic partner, one whose value comes from a collaborative and consultative approach to…
Authored by Carol Wesley, RN, MSN/MHA Resiliency. I remember hearing that word a lot throughout nursing school and then during my career. But what exactly is resiliency? Is it something that is inherited, or simply learned over time? Resilience is a useful and highly adaptive trait that is described as the ability to…
Have you ever wondered whether your cardiac cath lab was running as efficiently as possible? Would you be able to gauge its efficiency? And most importantly, are these considerations even important? Well, in this ever-changing healthcare environment, it is of the utmost importance to be able to deliver services in a cost-effective manner while maintaining…
Authored by Joe Dorko, Senior Consultant. I was listening to a song on the radio, “See the World” by Brett Dennen when I heard the line, “Now I’m planting trees I’ll never climb.” Then a thought occurred to me…this is how leadership feels. As a young pharmacist, I would take time at the end…
Patient Complications Are on the Rise Back in October 2014, CMS began implementing a 1% Medicare payment reduction for hospitals falling in the “worst-performing quartile with respect to hospital-acquired condition (HAC) quality measures,” as part of the HAC Reduction Program. This year, a resulting 764 hospitals will be subject to such a payment cut. Reductions…
The Women Who Shaped Modern Healthcare Over the course of history, women have made tremendous contributions to the field of healthcare, both as care providers and as pioneers in medical research. Despite facing significant barriers and discrimination throughout history, many women persevered and achieved breakthroughs in their fields, paving the way for future generations of…
My Aunt Judy Before I began my lifelong journey in a career dedicated to heart health, February was just another month with a holiday. Valentine’s Day held no other significance than the hope of receiving a declaration of true love from a significant other, along with some chocolate, flowers, and if I was especially lucky,…
American Heart Month Having been born on Valentine’s Day, February is a month that is near and dear to my heart! Every year, the swirl of excitement around this day for me and all those that I love takes on special meaning. Cards, presents, dinner, and special treats are showered on the birthday girl, and…
Author: Amy Newell Accountability of an Accredited Program As we continue to accredit PCI programs and Chest Pain Centers across the country, oftentimes we find programs are able to capitalize on their current success as either being an active PCI center, or a stand-alone chest pain center. Managing cardiac patients across the continuum of care…
What is ECMO? COVID-19 has presented healthcare with many challenges over the past two years, but an increasingly popular treatment has shown tremendous potential in saving the lives of a highly select population of patients. The treatment in question? Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO). In a general sense, ECMO is a technology that supports the work…
As a follow up to the October 18, 2021 blog post, “The FY 2022 Reimbursement Outlook,” CMS has since finalized the 3 rulings for the following payments systems: (1) Hospital Outpatient Payments (2) Ambulatory Surgery Center Payments, and (3) Physician Fee Schedule Payments. All three rulings will go into effect on January 1, 2022. Below…
Promoting Your Cardiovascular Accreditation With the continued rise of social media use across many and varied platforms, most of us are used to seeing near-constant posts and messages about the accomplishments of our peers, friends, and colleagues. This can naturally lead to self-reflection and -comparison. And sometimes, parallels emerge between our personal and professional lives,…
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart arrhythmia, and according to the CDC, its prevalence has only been increasing, a trend that will continue. In fact, estimates reveal that 12.1 million people in the United States will have AF by 2030 (CDC, 2021). However, it is encouraging that steady progress and advances in novel…
Why Do Hospitals Lose Out on Potential Physicians? Our recruiters are sometimes approached by a prospective client that reaches out for assistance specifically due to a long-term physician search initiative that “falls apart” in the final stages. Oftentimes, organizations can lose one or several candidates near the end of the placement process… but why…
Healthcare is an ever-changing entity – so it’s no wonder hospitals can encounter difficulty with keeping aware of reimbursement updates, especially while enduring a pandemic and all of its challenges to our industry over the last 18 months! If you didn’t get a chance to read the 700+ page Federal Register, the summary below includes…
Turnover in a hospital or physician practice setting is inevitable, but within the healthcare industry, continuity and consistency are the hallmarks of an efficient high-quality service line — the foundation of all successful specialty programs. As an Interim Manager with Corazon, I have worked in dozens of organizations across the country with the goal of…
Earlier this year, on June 30th, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, in partnership with other organizations, released updated blood conservation clinical practice guidelines addressing an evidenced-based, multi-modal, and multi-disciplinary approach to conserving blood resources, in addition to optimizing outcomes in patients at high risk for transfusion. These guidelines have…
Every few years we seem to “shuffle the deck” at the Corazon office with moves of individuals closer to their core work group members. On Friday, as I prepared for my Monday office move, I was looking through old files for the opportunity to purge! I scanned though a file of articles I had authored…
The coronavirus (COVID-19) fundamentally changed the landscape of hospitals and health systems in 2020 and leaders are now charged with developing post-pandemic growth strategies which involve developing priorities that reflect a new reality. In order to not only survive but to grow and thrive post COVID, hospital and healthcare system leaders need to be forward-thinking…
Before joining Corazon’s team of experts, I was fortunate to spend my last clinical assignment in a peripheral-vascular lab. Our services covered PAD (peripheral artery disease), but we also cared for a huge population of renal fistula/catheter patients. Due to the reoccurrence of problems involved with renal access sites, our renal patients returned on a…
During a recent conversation with colleagues, a comment was made that young doctors “don’t want to work,” that they lack the strong work ethic of prior generations. I responded with what I think they want, which is more defined work/life balance … and is that really a bad thing? I spent a considerable amount of…
When I started my first real job in radiology, I was 19 years old, 5’2”, and maybe 100 pounds soaking wet. My patients all thought I was a “candy striper” and were very surprised when I wasn’t replaced by the actual technologist for their exams. I quickly moved on to work in the Cardiac Cath…
Many hospitals nationwide have seen the benefits of expanding invasive cardiac services to include PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) without open heart surgery on-site. Although these hospitals have the opportunity to provide advanced interventional cardiac care, they are limited as per the SCAI/ACC/AHA Expert Consensus Document: Update on Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Without On-Site Surgical Backup that…
The goal of so many healthcare organizations is to find leadership structures that allow their most profitable offerings to push the limits of success even further and supercharge results in all aspects. Corazon has been assisting our most insightful clients get ahead of this curve. Many times, this means realizing the synergies that exist amongst…
WOW… what a year it has been! And still is in some areas of the country, unfortunately. As many organizations rebound from the devastating and challenging impact of COVID on their communities and hospitals, others are still facing daunting prospects for the future of this pandemic. Increases in cases from the Delta variant, along with…
A recent article in Circulation, published online ahead of print, addressed a retrospective cohort study using data from the STS/ACC TVT Registry which concluded that significant differences in the quality of TAVR care exists, particularly, variations in mortality and major complications after TAVR procedures in the United States (Desai et al, 2021). The study also…
Advanced Practice Providers in Critical Care What is the best advanced practice provider model and what is the right number of providers? With so many of Corazon’s consulting engagements focused on Cardiovascular and Neurosciences and with the patients in these service lines often representing the largest percentage of the critical care patient population in any…
Working in the industry, whether as a clinician at the patient bedside; in Administration or a Quality, Finance, or Ancillary Department; as a supply or equipment vendor; or in healthcare consulting, we can all relate to the importance of patient advocacy and the reason behind why many of us have chosen to join the remarkable…
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…
Cardiac Procedures in the ASC: A Timeline In 2016, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) added pacemaker implants to the list of approved procedures that could be performed and reimbursed in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). In 2019, diagnostic cath procedures were added to the list, and in 2020, six cardiac percutaneous interventional (PCI)…
As a seasoned placement firm for Physicians and Service Line Leaders, our Corazon team is always taken aback by both clients and candidates with unrealistic salary expectations that are not based on current market rates. This can not only cause frustration on both sides, but also become a terrible waste of resources. This situation can…
Savvy organizations can realize great success with cardiac procedural volumes in their cath labs with clinical excellence, operational efficiency, and positive impact on the bottom line. But sustaining volume or growing for the future can be a bit more challenging, especially in these uncertain times. Discussions around program growth are usually accompanied by questions about…
Women’s Specialty Centers (WSC) are often a collaboration between service lines as a business development strategy that benefits both partners. For example, Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU) has a National Center for Excellence in Women’s Health (WHC) and the Knight Cardio-vascular Institute (KCI). Both are well-funded and nationally recognized but they previously lived in…
The concept of peer review within healthcare service lines can be likened to a type of preventive maintenance, much like hospital equipment that involves regularly-scheduled check-ups to avoid a costly fix. Because, why wait for an event to trigger an investigative review and subsequent expensive repair or replacement? In many situations the “retrospective” review comes…
Positioning Your Chest Pain Center for Success In a recent article published in Cath Lab Digest on the Rationale for Developing a Chest Pain Center, accreditation was briefly discussed as one way to position a chest pain center for success. Not only does accreditation provide a means to validate quality and improve program performance, but…
For many years and even now, socio-economic factors related to outcomes following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery have not been well understood. Many studies have evaluated outcomes using insurance status and race as variables, as they were easily accessible from patient databases, though the studies themselves were limited in their ability to define any…
With being just days past the much-desired coming of the New Year, and the highly-anticipated roll-out of two (maybe three) COVID-19 vaccines, now is the time to decide where the path of possibilities can once again begin to lead. Our healthcare industry still has a long road ahead, but as the bumps in the road…
Why Interim Professionals in Healthcare? Turnover in a hospital or physician practice setting is inevitable, but within the healthcare industry, continuity and consistency are the hallmarks of an efficient, effective service line – the foundation of all successful specialty programs. With continual changes in reimbursement, regulations, and an increasingly competitive landscape for talent, losing key…
The cardiovascular service line continues to be a primary focus for regulatory bodies, quality groups, and professional clinical organizations, and as a result, remains competitive for hospitals in markets across the country. Many hospital leaders need to consider strategies for market distinction, including program accreditation. Gaining momentum as a differentiator, formal accreditation of either the…
Technology is advancing rapidly in the area of Mechanical Thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion strokes. It was not that long ago that we had no treatment at all for patients who experienced a stroke. The stroke would simply expand, and depending on the amount of tissue damaged and the particular areas of the brain involved,…
As a company that works to create successful service lines in the cardiovascular, neurosciences, and orthopedic specialties, Corazon has seen (and helped develop!) many and varied ways to accomplish this goal. In these uncertain times especially, innovative ways to ensure continued growth and productivity in these key clinical areas are essential. Beginning with the onset…
The value of a trusting relationship between a patient and caregiver is well known in healthcare. People want to have physicians, nurses, technologists, and others who they know and trust when they need care. Often, patients are seeking answers to sensitive questions or in very difficult times in their lives. This bond extends to seeking…
Today, many healthcare organizations are challenged to envision how their investment in facility can keep pace with the ever-changing healthcare market place. Strategic planning efforts typically look to a three- to five-year horizon, while master facility planning often takes on a 10-year planning cycle. This mismatch can become even more challenging for hospitals and health…
As an accrediting body, Corazon works with dozens of cardiovascular programs across the country. Through this process, we review clinical quality outcomes data and provide feedback to the programs, finding opportunities for improvement and working with cardiovascular leaders to create and monitor performance improvement plans, as necessary, based upon their data. Using data to drive…
At this time last year, could anyone have thought that the world would be facing a near year-long global pandemic caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID-19)? In consideration of the ongoing shortage of hospital beds in many areas across the country, now more than ever the healthcare industry as a whole needs to be mindful…
As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s easy to question what the future may hold from a personal, professional, and economic perspective, especially when considering the virus continues to spread with hospitalization and mortality rates still increasing daily in many areas of the country. Additional lingering concerns: Social distancing measures that…
Like so many others, I’ve been influenced by the experiences in my life. One such experience has created a serious passion for advancing the treatment of stroke, helping to lead me to my work here at Corazon. Since her stroke several years ago, I’ve watched my mother-in-law deal with severe disabilities. Once a very vibrant,…
In celebration of World Spine Day 2020 today, always on October 16, Corazon wants to support the mission of calling attention to the importance of spinal health, along with the need for effective programmatic organization and management of spine care. Spine is a core specialty for many hospitals, and continues to offer the potential to…
Industry debate regarding the best way to recruit for healthcare positions in today’s competitive and pandemic-affected market is at an all-time high. Healthcare recruiters of younger generations support social media strategies, citing how this approach saves time, increases reach, and multiplies efficiency, while more traditionalist recruiters swear by more enduring methods like phone calls, job…
Why Should You Consider an Ambulatory Surgery Center in 2023? Is an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) in your strategic plan for the near future? If not, it’s worth considering! ASCs have not only proven to be more convenient, offering a streamlined and personalized experience for the patient, but also have shown to be significantly more…
Prior to early Spring of this year, the biggest challenge most organizations faced was physician shortages or finding Service Line Leaders with skill sets matched to the needs of the cutting edge clinical offerings of the program. But in today’s new normal, the obstacles that exist involve not only finding the right candidates, but also…
Since COVID-19 showed up in December of 2019, every area of medicine has been affected, and Cardiology is no exception. The number of cases cardiologists have performed since the coronavirus pandemic began has drastically declined. Corazon accredits cardiovascular catheterization labs across the country to perform percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). Through this accreditation, we monitor client…
In this new normal for the healthcare industry, we can’t escape asking clients and colleagues how COVID-19 has affected current service offerings. While bracing for change was something to prioritize and evaluate during the early months of the pandemic, now we see hospitals getting ‘back to business.’ All hospitals should now be working to restart…
Is heart failure patient volume growing within your hospital? An estimated 6.2 million Americans currently carry a diagnosis of HF, with projections for a 46% rise in incidence by 2030 according to the American Heart Association. These patients typically either die from pump failure or sudden cardiac death, therefore programmatically linking electrophysiology (EP) to heart…
In our ever-challenging industry, hospitals across the country have begun to enhance their capabilities in the cath lab by augmenting like-volume procedures. Typically, cardiac procedures such as diagnostic catheterizations and coronary intervention (i.e., PCI) have ruled lab utilization, but due to declining inpatient volume trends, technology advances, and focus on more complex procedures such as…
Welcome to Corazon’s Blog! Our goal in launching this interactive space is to provide our clients and colleagues in the industry with news and updates; informative posts; company offerings; and other announcements, items, or articles relevant to the cardiovascular, neuroscience, and orthopedics specialties. We hope this will be a stop in your search for relevant,…
