- Michigan: The University of Michigan's academic medical center—previously known as University of Michigan Health System—got a new name on Monday: Michigan Medicine. The university in a release says the new name "better reflects" the system's "mission of patient care, education, and research." The new name also conveys recent organizational changes, such as bringing the U-M Medical School and Medical Affairs for the University of Michigan under a single leader. The medical school's name, U-M Medical School, has not changed (Michigan Medicine release, 1/9; Rappleye, Becker's Hospital Review, 1/9).
- Utah: According to Hospitals & Health Networks, Intermountain Medical Center's Heart Institute just became the first provider in the nation to complete a 3-D heart-mapping procedure using St. Jude Medical's newly approved technology, the EnSite Precision system. Intermountain used the technology to treat arrhythmia, a condition affecting about one-quarter of adults. John Day, medical director of the Intermountain Heart Rhythm Specialists at the Institute and the physician who performed the procedure, explained that prior to 3-D technology, doctors had to use 2-D X-rays to find the electrical currents that cause arrhythmias, which he compared to searching for a "needle in a haystack" (Durben Hirsch, Hospitals & Health Networks, 1/10).
- Washington, D.C.: House Oversight and Government Reform Chair Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) on Monday said he plans to block a Washington, D.C. measure that would allow physicians to prescribe life-ending drugs for patients with terminal illnesses. Under the bill, terminally ill patients with less than six months to live could request life-ending drugs after consulting with a physician over a two-week period. Two witnesses would need to say the decision is voluntary, and the patient would need to ingest the medication without any assistance. According to the Washington Post, Chaffetz plans by month's end to propose a resolution to stop the bill (Nirappil/Davidson, Washington Post, 1/9).
What's trending in cardiovascular services?
Want the latest information for your next cardiovascular meeting? This ready-to-use presentation contains Advisory Board's most popular slides on cardiovascular market trends, from growth outlook and financial considerations to new care management priorities and technology innovations.
Use the slides to frame your next cardiovascular meeting and build a strong foundation for your presentation.