On Demand: Innovating Cardiac Urgent Care With Cardiac Walk-In Clinics-Presentation Slides

Presentation Slides

Pdf Summary

Capital Cardiology Associates has implemented an Enhanced Cardiac Access (ECA) initiative to manage the influx of patients with potential cardiac symptoms visiting emergency rooms. Founded in 2013, the program aims to provide urgent care within cardiology offices, thereby reducing unnecessary hospital admissions and ensuring controlled imaging assessments.<br /><br />The practice employs 35 cardiologists specializing in various fields such as non-invasive and interventional procedures, with support from 21 advanced practitioners across three major office locations. The urgent care facilities, initially developed as six "bays," expanded over time to offer robust cardiac diagnostic services.<br /><br />ECA provides comprehensive care for patients exhibiting symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, severe hypertension, and syncope. The urgent care begins with triage, lab tests, ECG, and vitals, followed by evaluations from advanced practitioners and consultations with cardiologists. The facilities conduct diagnostic tests including stress tests, echocardiography, and CT angiography to ensure precise and immediate care.<br /><br />Data from 2014 to 2022 shows consistent patient visits growth, with two active sites: Albany, offering 14 treatment bays with an average of 41 patients daily, and Clifton Park with 12 bays averaging 21 patients. Notably, 96% of patients are discharged home after assessment, while 4% require hospital admission, transfers to the cardiac catheterization lab, or ER admissions.<br /><br />CT imaging plays a vital role in the program, instrumental in 12% of ECA visits. This imaging aids in diagnosing pulmonary embolisms, coronary disease, and adjusting risk assessments through Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scoring, enhancing patient throughput and facilitating safe discharges.<br /><br />The initiative underscores a proactive approach to cardiac patient management, aiming to streamline processes and improve patient outcomes within integrated healthcare systems.

Keywords

Enhanced Cardiac Access

Capital Cardiology Associates

urgent cardiac care

cardiology offices

diagnostic services

CT angiography

Coronary Artery Calcium

patient management

cardiac symptoms

healthcare systems