Quality Improvement for Institutions
www.cvquality.acc.org

Cardiovascular Quality and Research News

ACC CV Quality SmartBrief

The ACC CV Quality SmartBrief eNewsletter is a free, twice-weekly briefing for health care stakeholders interested in quality care. Learn more about the ACC CV Quality SmartBrief and subscribe.

  • Short-term ozone exposure linked to stroke, MI risk

    A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that short-term ozone exposure increases the risk of hospitalization for stroke and myocardial infarction. The meta-analysis included data from about 65.9 million people across 26 countries. Researchers said the findings could inform public health and clinical guidelines. Cardiology Advisor (12/9) Learn More

  • Cases of drug-resistant fungus increasing in Mich.

    Michigan has reported more than 2,200 cases of the drug-resistant fungal infection Candida auris since 2021, with 60% of cases in Detroit. The state's rise in cases reflects a broader national trend, as cases surged from 764 in 2020 to 4,514 in 2023. C. auris can survive on surfaces for weeks and is resistant to some disinfectants and antifungal medications, prompting the CDC to classify it as an urgent antimicrobial resistance threat. MLive (Michigan) (tiered subscription model) (12/12) Learn More

  • Remote patient monitoring by NPs linked to better diabetes outcomes

    A nurse practitioner-led remote patient monitoring clinic for uninsured people with diabetes significantly reduced A1C levels, according to a study published in the Journal for Nurse Practitioners. The program, conducted at an urban hospital, was linked with a reduction in mean A1C from 11.6% to 8.3% over the course of the study, with the most substantial decrease occurring within the first 100 days. Medscape (12/14) Learn More

  • Leapfrog Group names top hospitals, ASCs for 2025

    The Leapfrog Group has announced its top hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers for 2025. A 16% increase in hospitals receiving the awards is attributed to improvements in billing ethics, informed consent and nurse staffing, as well as record participation in the Leapfrog Hospital Survey. TechTarget (12/15) Learn More

  • Medical groups push back against automatic downcoding

    Several insurers have begun automatically downcoding certain claims, particularly for evaluation and management visits, reducing payments and adding to health care providers' documentation burdens. Although appeals have been largely successful, the practice has been criticized health care organizations for its lack of transparency and potential harm to independent practices. MedPage Today (free registration) (12/12) Learn More

  • Calif. county to deploy AI-powered ECG devices

    Kern County, Calif., will become the first county in the state to equip all EMS providers with AI-powered 12-lead ECG devices, starting in February. The Kardia 12L devices can transmit patient data to hospitals in real time and are less expensive than traditional ECG devices. EMS1 (12/15) Learn More

  • USPS budget issues may affect medication delivery

    The US Postal Service is crucial for timely delivery of patients' medications, particularly to remote areas where other options are limited. A Brookings Institution report highlights the benefits of mail-order pharmacies, including better adherence to treatment and reduced health care costs. However, the USPS faces significant budget constraints, leading to delivery slowdowns particularly in rural areas, as noted by the Postal Regulatory Commission. BenefitsPRO (free registration) (12/10) Learn More

Temp Styles

American College of Cardiology: 2400 N St. NW, Washington DC 20006