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The Monthly Pulse – Providers (June 2023)

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Industry News
New DEA Requirement for Registered Practitioners to Complete SUD, OUD Training to Take Effect June 27
The Story
On June 27, 2023, a new requirement will take effect which states that all DEA-registered practitioners must complete a one-time, eight-hour training on the treatment and management of patients with opioid or other substance abuse disorders. Completion of previous training may satisfy the requirement, such as prior courses provided by AAPA and other organizations. The training may be broken out into multiple sessions.
     
What You Should Know
All providers who are registered or seeking registration with the DEA must satisfy the new requirement. Yet, practitioners do not need to verify completion of training until their registration is due for renewal. The training is a one-time event and will not have to be repeated once completed.
     
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Cardiologists, cardiac surgeons support new bill that could limit Medicare cuts
The Story
Multiple cardiology societies have expressed their support for HR 2472, the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act, a bill introduced to the House on April 6. The bill aims to align physicians with rates that accurately reflect the U.S. economy. The American Medical Association (AMA) drafted a letter urging Congress to move the bill forward, which was also signed by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, American College of Cardiology, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, and American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, among others.
     
What You Should Know
Physician payments have declined by 26% since 2001, which includes the most recent reduction of 2% in 2023. The AMA’s letter argues that physicians don’t receive the same annual inflationary updates other Medicare providers do, while costs of running medical practices and the lingering burden of the COVID-19 pandemic have created financial strain. The letter states that with the passing of HR 2472, physicians would be able to keep pace with economic realities.
     
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Abbott life support system gains 2 new FDA clearances aimed at providing long-term relief
The Story
Abbott has recently gained two new FDA clearances for devices to provide long-term relief. The first is for the blood pump of CentriMag, a life support system used as a left ventricular, right ventricular, or biventricular assist device. The blood pump can now be used for long-term support, as opposed to its original six-hour limit. The second clearance is for CentriMag’s pre-connected pack, which can now be used for cardiopulmonary support past the six-hour mark.
     
What You Should Know
While CentriMag was originally intended for use in urgent, critical care settings, these new allowances can help provide care for patients with severe COVID, among others. For instance, it could also help patients who have undergone open heart surgery. According to Abbott, the new clearances will allow physicians to provide necessary support for their sickest patients in fewer steps.
     
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Leadership Reflections
     
Artificial Intelligence
I don’t know about you, but Artificial Intelligence (AI) both excites and terrifies me. With each passing day, AI resources continue to be more accessible, and considering the rapid pace of implementation, I already feel so behind. In my research, I’ve seen traction in automation and it’s not too much of a leap to consider the potential AI has to revolutionize healthcare. However, it’s not without challenges.

Some advantages:
  1. Improved Diagnosis: AI has the ability to analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns that may not be immediately apparent to human doctors, leading to more accurate and timely diagnosis.
  2. Personalized Treatment: AI algorithms can be used to create personalized treatment plans based on a patient's medical history, genetic makeup, and other relevant factors which can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes.
  3. Increased Efficiency: AI can automate routine tasks, such as medical record-keeping, which can free up providers to focus on patient care, leading to more efficient and cost-effective service.
Some challenges:
  1. Data Quality: AI algorithms are only as good as the data they are trained on, so if the data is biased or incomplete, the AI algorithm may produce inaccurate or unreliable results.
  2. Lack of Transparency: It may be difficult to understand how AI algorithms arrive at their conclusions, which can make it challenging for doctors to interpret results and make informed decisions.
  3. Patient Privacy: AI requires vast amounts of data to operate effectively, which can raise concerns about patient privacy. If the data is not properly secured, it may be vulnerable to breaches or misuse.
Considering the opportunities to improve patient outcomes, increase efficiency, and reduce costs, it seems worthwhile to seriously consider if and where AI can be implemented safely. If done while addressing challenges like those outlined above, healthcare systems can work toward maximizing the benefits of AI while minimizing the risks.
     
     
Daryl Bert
Daryl Bert
CEO
e: daryl@ct-assist.com
t: 540-421-0696
w: www.ct-assist.com
     
Upcoming Events

ICCCS 2023 - International Conference on Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery
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Mon., June 5 - Tues. June 6
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2023 AANP National Conference
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Tues., June 20 - Sun., June 25
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EACTS Case Corner: Aortic Dissection
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Thurs., June 29
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Carolina Perfusion Symposium
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Fri., Jul 21- Sun., Jul 23
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2023 STS Boot Camp
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Thurs., Aug. 24 - Sun., Aug. 27
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