Increase in Use of Mechanical Circulatory Support in PCI
2004 to 2012 saw increase in percutaneous ventricular assist devices, intraaortic balloon pump
Daily INR Measurement Best for Hospitalized Patients on Warfarin
Increased odds of warfarin-associated adverse events in patients for whom INR not measured daily
Both Smoking Bans and Cigarette Taxes Deter Smokers
Bans seem better for social smokers; heavy smokers primarily deterred by taxes
Selexipag Linked to Reduced Risk of Death, Complications in PAH
Reduced risk of composite of death or pulmonary arterial hypertension-linked complications
Two Draft Statements From USPSTF Open for Comment
Insufficient evidence for lipid screening in children; recommendation for statins varies with age, risk
FDA Approves Uptravi for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Drug found to limit worsening of the disease and reduce the need for hospitalization
Many Ignore Warning Symptoms Before Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Survival significantly higher for patients who call emergency services in response to symptoms
Specific, Consistent ICD-10 Coding Key to Timely Payments
Tips to prevent denials include checking EHR selection against documentation, being specific
Affordable Care Act Has Improved Access to Care, Affordability
However, gaps in access to care and affordability still seen, especially for low-income adults
Nursing Conditions Tied to Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survival
Better work environments, decreased patient-to-nurse ratios up survival
