HE homepage

cyberattack cybersecurity IT

Health IT company Episource confirmed a ransomware attack of its network exposed data from payer and provider customers alike, with details such as medical diagnoses and treatments possibly stolen by nefarious actors. 

David Winchester, MD, chair of the ACC Board of Governors, professor of cardiology and radiology at the University of Florida, explains why the cardiology societies are asking the AMA to get involved in dispute over denial of an independent cardiovascular board.

After their proposal for a new American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine was shot down earlier this year, cardiology groups have asked the AMA for some support. "We feel like it's time for us to blaze our own path," one specialist explained. 

AMA president Bruce Scott, MD, warns prior authorization is hurting patients and causing doctors to call it quits.

American Medical Association President Bruce Scott, MD, explains the growing issues with insurance prior authorization impacting patient care and what the AMA is doing about it.

A report from the Guardian details how the VA removed language protecting patients from discrimination based on political affiliation and lifestyle. The department denies that there has been any actual change in policy.

mergers and acquisitions M&A partnerships

Nonprofit Ascension Health announced its purchase of Amsurg, adding 250 outpatient surgery centers to its expanding portfolio. The Catholic-based hospital group said the move will allow it to focus more on community-based care by keeping more patient referrals in-house.

artificial intelligence heart AI

"Using AI for tasks like CAC detection can help shift medicine from a reactive approach to the proactive prevention of disease," one researcher said.

Around the web

After their proposal for a new American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine was shot down earlier this year, cardiology groups have asked the AMA for some support. "We feel like it's time for us to blaze our own path," one specialist explained. 

The company has agreed to acquire Verve Therapeutics for an upfront payment of approximately $1 billion. The total could increase significantly, however, if certain milestones are met. One of Verve's biggest gene therapies has already received the FDA's fast track designation.

American College of Cardiology Board of Governors Chair David E. Winchester, MD, MS, examines the many benefits of working with the American Medical Association House of Delegates to bring about significant change.