On Demand: Improving Access and Throughput in a Community Setting Using Advanced Cardiac Imaging-Webinar Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar focused on improving access to cardiac care using advanced imaging technologies in rural settings, led by cardiologists Dr. DeBol and Dr. Shotwell from Harrison Memorial Hospital. They emphasized the value of cardiac CT (CCTA) in detecting and managing cardiac conditions, particularly in settings where resources are limited. Despite initial operational challenges such as equipment costs, staffing, and training, they found CCTA programs to be feasible and beneficial in rural hospitals, improving patient outcomes, reducing dependency on larger facilities, and strengthening community trust. The program demonstrated increased diagnostic capabilities without reducing the volume of traditional nuclear stress tests. Additionally, the recent changes to CCTA reimbursement from Medicare are expected to bolster financial feasibility. Through strategic planning, leveraging vendor partnerships, and community engagement, the hospital successfully integrated CCTA into their offerings. They found AI tools to significantly enhance efficiency by providing accurate preliminary analyses, allowing healthcare providers to focus more on high-level diagnostic interpretation. The importance of collaboration between interventional and non-invasive cardiologists to provide comprehensive cardiac care was also highlighted.

Keywords

cardiac care

advanced imaging

rural hospitals

cardiac CT

CCTA reimbursement

AI tools

diagnostic capabilities

community engagement

cardiologist collaboration