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What's New at NCDR and ACC Accreditation Services

Stay up to date with the latest news from ACC NCDR and Accreditation Services, where data, accreditation and collaboration come together to drive meaningful improvements in cardiovascular care.

Celebrating Ten Years of Excellence

As ACC NCDR and Accreditation Services celebrates 10 years together, we reflect on a decade of progress, collaboration, and measurable improvement in cardiovascular care. Together with our partners, we remain focused on driving innovation, quality, and better outcomes for patients nationwide.

New Accreditation Designation

10 Years Together

NEW Chest Pain Center Accreditation Cardiogenic Shock Designations!

New standards focused on early recognition and escalation of cardiogenic shock. Presales will be available in late spring 2026. Stay tuned for tools and resources to support your planning.

News Stories and Journal Scans

Explore the latest ACC NCDR and Accreditation articles and stay informed about updates, insights and key developments.

CMS Proposes Updates to TAVR National Coverage Determination

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ACC Streamlines Cardiac Accreditation for Hospital Systems

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ACC HeartCARE Center Designation Hits 100 Hospital Milestone

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NCDR Study: Prevalence and Outcomes of PCI Performed at Facilities Without On-Site Cardiac Surgery

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NCDR Study: Off-Label Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Interventions Demonstrate Reduced Residual TR, Improved QOL

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QI.PI Project Grant Recipient Develops Digital Biomarker for PAD Screening


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Stay Connected to Quality and Practice Excellence

U.S. News and World Report

In the 2026 U.S. News and World Report "Best Hospitals" issues annual ad insert, the ACC recognizes the more than 2,000 hospitals, health systems and centers participating in NCDR and/or Accreditation Services.

 

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.

Connect Through DocMatter

ACC members can deepen their engagement through DocMatter, the College's exclusive, secure online community. DocMatter connects over 65,000 cardiovascular professionals to provide a trusted space to exchange insights, discuss clinical and operational challenges, and stay informed about ACC NCDR and Accreditation programs and initiatives.

ACC members can access DocMatter as part of their membership.

From The ACC

Explore the latest news and insights from the American College of Cardiology shaping cardiovascular quality, care delivery, and accreditation.

  • Understanding infection control rationale improves outcomes

    Healthcare-associated infections can be better prevented when health staff understand the reasoning behind infection prevention practices, writes LaTitia Houston, infection preventionist at Texas Health Resources. Houston notes that integrating evidence-based practices with education and a clearly outlined rationale can transform mere compliance into actual ownership. Infection Control Today (7/2) Learn More

  • Spending on MA quality bonus program expected to increase

    Medicare will spend $13.4 billion on the Medicare Advantage quality bonus program this year, which is more than last year and four times as high as the program cost in 2015, according to a KFF report. Despite criticism and efforts to eliminate the quality bonus program, the anticipated removal of certain administrative measures in star rating calculations may increase Medicare Advantage spending by $18.6 billion over the next decade as more plans qualify for bonuses. MedCity News (7/5) Learn More

  • Program cuts spark concerns over rising disease threats

    The administration has implemented deep cuts to health programs and agencies, including significant layoffs and defunding of public health initiatives. Programs tracking infectious and foodborne illnesses, like the CDC's FoodNet and global malaria efforts, have been scaled back or made optional, leaving critical gaps in disease detection and response. The nation's withdrawal from WHO and the dismantling of USAID have further reduced global health collaboration and funding. Critics, including former CDC officials, argue that cuts undermine efforts to protect Americans from microbial threats, while administration officials claim the changes eliminate waste and prioritize chronic disease prevention. KFF Health News (7/2) Learn More

  • Venezuelan health system grapples with infectious disease

    Venezuela's healthcare system is under extreme pressure after earthquakes left many dead and injured, with many displaced residents sleeping in the open or in makeshift shelters. Aid groups have warned of the spread of infectious diseases among displaced people who lack access to basic sanitation. WHO notes that at least 38 hospitals have been damaged and many specialist physicians are missing in the disaster. PBS (6/30) Learn More

  • Patients want to know when AI is used in imaging

    A survey conducted at one hospital found that about 96% of patients want to be informed when AI is used in medical imaging. The study, published in a radiology journal, found that 53% of patients preferred written consent while 34% favored verbal consent. Radiology Business (7/1) Learn More

  • Smartwatches show promise in early illness detection

    Smartwatches and other wearables such as those from Apple and Oura are increasingly used to detect early signs of illness by monitoring metrics including heart rate and sleep patterns. While some features like atrial fibrillation detection are clinically useful, others such as blood pressure alerts are less reliable. Recent studies suggest that wearables can detect physiological changes from infections before symptoms appear, but they are not yet capable of diagnosing disease. Engadget (7/4) Learn More

  • Telehealth capacity may predict AI readiness in hospitals

    A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research suggests that the scale of telehealth operations in US hospitals may indicate their readiness to adopt AI. The research found a strong association between telehealth capacity and AI maturity, particularly in clinical settings, although it did not establish a causal link. The study analyzed data from over 6,000 hospitals, revealing that those with higher telehealth volumes often had advanced AI adoption. However, rural hospitals showed weaker correlations compared to metropolitan ones. The findings highlight the importance of digital infrastructure in supporting AI integration. TechTarget (7/2) Learn More

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