With more and more cardiovascular professionals shifting from private practice to hospital-integrated models, new survey data released by the ACC provides an important first-look at cardiology from the viewpoint of hospital administrators.

According to the survey of 300 hospital executives and cardiovascular professionals representing 291 hospitals and medical facilities, 40 percent of administrators say their facility had either acquired or had considered acquiring a cardiology practice in the last two years.  Roughly 20 percent indicated they are considering an acquisition in the near future.
 
"This data reflects the trends we are seeing across the country," said ACC CEO Jack Lewin, MD. "This is truly a time of change for cardiology."
 
As a result of this change, recruitment of cardiologists and other cardiovascular professionals rose to the top in terms of the biggest challenges facing hospital administrators in running a cardiovascular unit.  Twenty-four percent of the executives and 11 percent of the cardiovascular professionals indicated that recruitment as a primary challenge, followed closely by financial challenges related to the economy and/or reimbursement issues.

The FACC designation was viewed as an important factor when it comes to hiring. According to the survey, 72 percent of administrators said they were somewhat more likely or much more likely to hire a cardiologist with an FACC designation, with more than three-quarters (77 percent) of the administrators indicated that it was extremely or very important for cardiologists to have earned the FACC in general.

“The FACC distinction symbolizes a dedication and commitment to the highest quality of cardiovascular care,” said Lewin. “Fellows are elected to the college based on their credentials, achievements, and contribution to cardiovascular medicine as recommended by faculty and members and it’s good to see that this distinction is recognized as important in the hospital environment.”

On the quality front, the survey found that almost all hospitals participate in cardiovascular quality initiatives, with 83 percent participating in ACC sponsored quality activities like the ICD and Cath PCI registries, the Door to Balloon Alliance.

“The data from this survey are extremely important as we move forward with meeting the needs of cardiovascular professionals and administrators in the constantly evolving health care environment,” said Lewin. “It’s good to know that the College is moving in the right direction with its quality efforts.”

Check out more information on the College’s quality programs and learn more about the FACC designation. In addition, attendees at ACC.12 in Chicago from March 24-26 should look for important sessions on topics like health care reform, the future of cardiology and changing practice paradigms in the Practice Performance, Improvement and Administration and the Quality of Care and Outcomes Assessment pathways.

Additionally, you can read up on the challenge of recruiting cardiology staff in Cardiovascular Business.

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