Top Developments in Cardiology Policy and Practice in 2024

AI in Cardiology

• The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in cardiology advanced significantly in 2024, particularly in areas like echocardiography and clinical decision-making.
• Deep learning models improved sonographer efficiency and enabled whole-heart evaluations, while tools like ChatGPT demonstrated potential in assisting heart team decisions for patients undergoing coronary revascularization.
• Experts noted that larger AI models are being developed and tested, bringing value to clinical note-taking and imaging, although challenges remain in implementation and reimbursement.
• Physicians and the public have grown more comfortable with AI integration, as tools like ChatGPT have become ubiquitous and proven useful in augmenting medical practice.

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American Heart Association Centennial Celebration

• The field celebrated the 100th anniversary of the American Heart Association (AHA), founded in 1924 to study cardiovascular disease and now a global leader in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
• The AHA’s legacy includes advocacy efforts, public health initiatives, and a world-renowned annual meeting that continues to advance the field of cardiology.

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CMS Policy Changes and Reimbursement News

• The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the first 10 drugs for price negotiation under the Inflation Reduction Act, most of which are widely used in cardiology patients.
• The 2025 CMS rule included expected cuts to the physician fee schedule but also brought a significant win with a doubling of reimbursement rates for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

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Key Themes in Cardiology Practice

• Physician employment models have evolved, with the rise of private equity ownership influencing practice structures.
• The integration of AI into clinical practice has created collaborative tools that reduce administrative burdens for physicians and improve efficiency.
• Challenges with patient access to care have intensified, as many clinics struggle to schedule new patients within a reasonable timeframe due to increasing demand.

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Private Equity in Cardiology Practices

• A new analysis revealed that private equity firms now own nearly half of all cardiology clinics in the United States.
• This trend has significantly reshaped the employment models of cardiologists and the operational structure of cardiology practices.

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Shortages of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

• The growing demand for GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro), and dulaglutide (Trulicity), has led to widespread shortages.
• These shortages have created challenges for physicians as they search for alternative treatments for patients with type 2 diabetes or obesity who benefit from these drugs.

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Expert Insights on AI and Patient Access

• AI tools such as ambient clinical listening programs are helping to alleviate physician workload, according to experts.
• There is growing recognition of the benefits AI models bring to imaging, note-taking, and augmentative medical use cases despite ongoing implementation hurdles.
• Patient access to care remains a critical issue, with many clinics unable to accommodate new patients within 48 hours, a stark contrast to previous standards.
• Experts emphasized the need for equitable care and systemic solutions to address the persistent bottlenecks in healthcare access.