On January 13-14, 2012, more than 500 cardiologists, nurses, and administrators gathered in Las Vegas for the Cardiovascular Care Summit. Attendees learned that health care in America is a complex system whose costs are out of control, rising faster than the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).  Government agencies recognize that the national debt primarily is related to healthcare expenditures, but have been unable to correct the problem.  We witness various forces at work to in an attempt to change the healthcare system in order to decrease costs. Physicians, especially cardiologists, have been caught in the middle of many proposals and initiatives made by the government, private insurers, and state regulators.  These proposals have reduced reimbursement for imaging procedures and threaten the existence of cardiology practices.  It is estimated that approximately 70% of U.S. cardiology practices now have integrated with hospital systems as a means of survival.

 

The healthcare problem is huge. Approximately 16 per cent of the U.S. population is uninsured. Fifty million Americans are on Medicare and 40 million are on Medicaid. Medicare expenditures now total $551 billion annually and continue to rise. Approximately one-quarter of healthcare payments go to physicians, but physician reimbursement has been a major target in most proposals.  The flawed SGR system has not been fixed, but patched repeatedly while the cost of repair continues to grow.  We heard about many solutions from healthcare experts, but the final proposals will come from the government.

 

Although the ACC has been active with daily lobbying efforts on behalf of cardiologists and their patients, the task is difficult because of the dysfunctional congress. 

 

Attendees had the opportunity to participate in many practical break-out sessions that involved contracts, negotiations, rehiring, communications, and service lines.

 

During the session ten cardiology fellows in training participated in a special poster contest. I am proud that J. Emmanuel Finet, M.D. from MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland was the first prize winner. Dr. Finet will receive free registration and airfare to ACC '12 in Chicago. 

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We'll start off with an overview of the PQRS program, including any important changes that were made from 2011 to 2012.  You will then learn about one ACC method available to you to submit your PQRS data to CMS-- ACC's PQRSwizard, powered by CE City.  We'll walk you through the steps of participating in PQRS through ACC's PQRSwizard, an easy to use online tool to help physicians and other eligible professionals quickly and easily participate in PQRS.  We'll also explain how you can submit through the PQRSwizard for 2011, if you act quickly, because you'll have until February 17.  Register now!