American College of Cardiology (ACC)

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the primary U.S. medical society representing the interests of all cardiology subspecialities. The ACC is very active in setting guidelines for cardiac care, lobbying for supportive government policy and reimbursements, clinician education, managing several key cardiovascular registries and advocating for the transformation of cardiovascular care to improve heart health.

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Cardiology groups share new AUC for cardiovascular imaging prior to noncardiac surgery

The new AUC document was designed to help care teams know when and how to perform imaging-based cardiovascular evaluations on patients undergoing nonemergent, noncardiac surgery.

CMS could increase CCTA payments—the American College of Cardiology wants to help

CMS wants feedback after proposing a significant update to CCTA reimbursement payments. The American College of Cardiology, a longtime champion for improved cardiac CT payments, is now helping its members make their voices heard.

Interview with Nehal Mehta, MD, Penn Medicine, who explains how coronary inflammation can be seen using AI on cardiac CT scans to better risk stratify patients and begin preventive drug therapy.

AI helps cardiologists track new drug's effect on inflammation

The combination of AI and CT helped Nehal Mehta, MD, and colleagues track the performance of a new drug designed to target coronary inflammation. 

Sarah Jane Rinehart, MD, director of cardiac imaging, Charleston Area Medical Center, Charleston West Virginia, as been using the FDA-cleared RoadMap artificial intelligence algorithm from HeartFlow in studies and in clinical used since it was cleared and said it helps cardiologists in several ways. #ACC #ACC24 #ACC2024 #Heartflow #AIhealth

AI improves CT assessments, boosts care for real-world heart patients

Automated AI-generated measurements combined with annotated CT images can improve treatment planning and help referring physicians and patients better understand their disease, explained Sarah Jane Rinehart, MD, director of cardiac imaging with Charleston Area Medical Center.

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Cardiologists partner with imaging AI specialists to improve care for high-risk heart patients

The new collaboration is designed to ensure patients who may face an increased risk of heart disease receive the follow-up care they need.

CT-first strategy the most effective path forward when evaluating stable chest pain

Heart teams have several options when patients present with stable chest pain and require further testing. According to a brand new analysis of nearly 800 patients, CCTA may be the best place to start. 

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ChatGPT struggles with echocardiography, but still shows potential to help cardiology trainees

ChatGPT may not be quite ready to help prepare trainees for their next echocardiography exam—but it does show promise. 

Video of Jon Lindner explaining the use of ultrasound and bubble contrast for therapy.

Cardiac ultrasound could lead to key advances in heart attack care, drug delivery

Jonathan Lindner, MD, offers an update on the use of echocardiography and bubble contrast agents in a therapy role to help revascularize STEMI patients and increase drug and gene delivery.

Around the web

A total of 16 cardiology practices from 12 states settled with the DOJ to resolve allegations they overbilled Medicare for imaging agents used to diagnose cardiovascular disease. 

CCTA is being utilized more and more for the diagnosis and management of suspected coronary artery disease. An international group of specialists shared their perspective on this ongoing trend.

The new technology shows early potential to make a significant impact on imaging workflows and patient care.