On Demand: CCTA Operational Efficiencies: The Nurse Navigator Role and Other Practical Approaches to Program Growth-MedAxiom White Paper Summary Sheet

MedAxiom White Paper Summary Sheet

Pdf Summary

The whitepaper "CCTA and FFRCT: The diagnostic approach to CAD has been disrupted" by MedAxiom highlights why many leading hospitals have adopted coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and fractional flow reserve computed tomography (FFRCT) as primary methods for diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD). This innovative, non-invasive diagnostic pathway offers a rapid and accurate alternative to traditional methods, enhancing patient management for stable CAD cases.<br /><br />The document discusses the successful implementation of the CCTA and FFRCT approach at Atrium Health, illustrating several best practices and benefits. These include a significant increase in patient throughput, with CT scan rates increasing by 2.5 times. Enhancements in cath lab efficiency are notable, with a 25% increase in net revenue per cardiac catheterization and a 10% reduction in diagnostic-only catheterizations. The program has nearly doubled the number of subsequent percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures.<br /><br />Additionally, the whitepaper notes alignment with the 2021 ACC/AHA chest pain guidelines, reinforcing the role of CCTA as the only Class 1 non-invasive test, backed by Level A evidence, for diagnosing CAD. FFRCT is classified as Class 2a with Level B evidence, offering valuable insights for a wide patient demographic. Stress testing maintains its diagnostic role as a Class 1 test but with Level B evidence.<br /><br />Dr. Troy Leo, Vice Chief of Adult Cardiology at the Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, asserts that the evidence supports CCTA as the preferred diagnostic strategy for many CAD patients, marking a clear shift towards this innovative approach in contemporary cardiac care.

Keywords

CCTA

FFRCT

coronary artery disease

non-invasive diagnostics

Atrium Health

patient throughput

cardiac catheterization

ACC/AHA guidelines

percutaneous coronary interventions

Dr. Troy Leo