Volume XVII | Issue 2 | February 2025 | |
HCI's Monthly Review of the Healthcare Industry | |
Robert J. Stilley
President, CEO
HeartCare Imaging, Inc.
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Dear Colleagues –
Change—it’s inevitable. Whether we like it or not, 2025 is bringing a wave of potential changes that will shape the future. But while we can’t always control change, we can control how we respond to it. A positive mindset is key—fear of change can leave us stuck or even set us back.
At HCI, we’ve recently undergone significant changes, and I thought our experience might resonate.
Late last year, we made the decision to upgrade several operational support systems to better serve our team members and partner-clients. These upgrades included IT, accounting, and HR software and hardware. Our vendors painted a compelling picture of how seamless and beneficial these changes would be. After extensive research, we selected the best solutions, signed contracts, and prepared for what we believed would be a game-changing transformation. In hindsight, we may have been a bit ambitious—we decided to change everything at once!
What followed was far more challenging than we had anticipated. The transition was not just difficult; it was disruptive. Processes that were once second nature became cumbersome and tasks that took hours stretched into days.. We knew these upgrades were essential to maintaining excellence, but at times, we questioned whether we had made the right decision.
The reality? We had no choice but to make it work. And that’s exactly what we did. We dug in, sought solutions, and adapted. As we became more familiar with the new systems and processes, things began to fall into place. It wasn’t quite “nirvana,” but it was a real and meaningful improvement—one that allows us to serve our partner-clients and team members more effectively.
Here are the key lessons we learned:
- Change is constant, often difficult, but necessary for growth.
- Setting realistic expectations is crucial.
- Choosing vendors with strong support services makes all the difference.
- There is no "nirvana"—only continuous improvement.
At HCI, we remain committed to making thoughtful, positive changes that strengthen our organization. And through every transition, we promise to support our team members and partner-clients to ensure the process is as smooth and productive as possible.
Best Regards,
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PET/CT reveals new infections in ICU patients
The finding is from a study in two medical centers in the Netherlands in which patients with persistent illness underwent at least seven other types of diagnostic procedures prior to the PET/CT scans, including x-rays and CT scans, noted lead author Bram van Leer, MD, of the University of Groningen, and colleagues.
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Continuation of 99mTc-PYP shortage prompts need for alternative cardiac amyloidosis imaging
After three years of intermittent shortages of nuclear imaging tracer technetium-99m pyrophosphate (PYP), there are no signs of the shortage abating, according to an update from the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC). ASNC is providing education to members interested in switching to alternative imaging methods.
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New PET Tracer Reveals Potential for Recovery in Spinal Cord Injuries
A novel PET technique that visualizes spinal cord injuries provides critical information about which patients may be able to regain mobility, according to new research published in the February issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine. By detecting intact nerve connections in the injured spinal cord, a newly developed radiotracer has the potential to help diagnose injuries more precisely, monitor recovery, and evaluate the effectiveness of new therapies in clinical trials.
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Frontotemporal dementia often misdiagnosed due to misinterpretations of imaging
Incorrect interpretations of medical images could play a significant role in the misdiagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, new data suggest.
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Experts say one radiotracer outperforms all others when it comes to detecting prostate cancer
When it comes to detecting prostate cancer, not all radiotracers are created equal, according to a new comparative analysis.
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Patients in the US undergo first doses of GE HealthCare’s new PET radiotracer, Flyrcado (flurpiridaz F 18) injection
The first patient doses of GE HealthCare’s new FDA-approved PET radiotracer, Flyrcado™ (flurpiridaz F 18) injection, are being administered at early adopter sites around the United States.
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New genetic risk score identifies individuals at risk for heart disease who may benefit most from cholesterol-lowering therapies
Coronary artery disease (CAD), or the narrowing of the coronary arteries, is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in the arteries, develops when low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) enters the blood vessel walls through dysfunctional endothelial cells (EC), leading to the formation of plaques. Researchers developed a polygenic risk score that examines genes associated with EC function to identify individuals with higher CAD risk.
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AI-powered heart assessments of NFL veterans could help cardiologists tackle CVD
HeartFlow, the California-based healthcare company known for its advanced artificial intelligence (AI) software, has partnered with Denver’s Boone Heart Institute to launch a new registry focused on gathering heart data from retired NFL players.
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Certain low-risk populations continue baby aspirin use, despite risk and clinical guidance
Some Asian, Black and Mexican American adults at low ASCVD risk continue taking baby aspirin, despite risk and clinical guidance. Similar observations were reported for those on Medicaid or without insurance.
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Heart transplant patients on Medicaid face a higher risk of major complications
Heart transplant patients insured by Medicaid face a significantly higher risk of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), according to new research published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.
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People with certain heart conditions may play competitive sports, scientific statement suggests
Shared decision-making between clinicians and athletes of all ages who have cardiovascular abnormalities and want to participate in competitive sports is essential, according to a new joint scientific statement.
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Screening and treating maternal psychological health key to improving cardiovascular health
Identifying and treating risk factors for depression, anxiety and other psychological health conditions during pregnancy and postpartum may improve short- and long-term health outcomes for both mother and child, according to a new scientific statement.
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A patient's ability to perform a cardiac stress test offers a critical window on their mortality risk
People who can exercise sufficiently on a treadmill during cardiac stress testing have a lower mortality risk regardless of their overall level of heart disease, a Mount Sinai-led team of researchers has found.
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1 in 5 older adults get infections after heart surgery, and women have a 60% higher risk
One in five older adults gets an infection up to six months after heart surgery, and women are far more likely to develop one, according to recent studies. Black patients also had higher rates of overall infection compared to white patients. Researchers say estimates of postoperative infections are likely vastly underestimated.
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AI leader Heartflow enters new era focused on delivering personalized care for CAD patients
It is the beginning of a new era for Heartflow. The California-based medtech company, known for its artificial intelligence (AI)-based cardiac CT evaluations, has launched all new branding to highlight its focus on delivering high-quality tools that help clinicians prevent, diagnose and treat coronary artery disease (CAD).
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Opportunistic imaging detects signs of heart disease in lung cancer patients
Imaging results from lung cancer patients may be able to effectively predict their risk of developing heart disease, according to new data to be presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Advancing the Cardiovascular Care of the Oncology Patient course.
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Lifestyle and environmental factors affect health and aging more than our genes
A new study led by researchers from Oxford Population Health has shown that a range of environmental factors, including lifestyle (smoking and physical activity), and living conditions, have a greater impact on health and premature death than our genes.
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First Measles Death Reported in Texas Outbreak
An unvaccinated, school-age child died after being hospitalized in West Texas.
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AstraZeneca’s Breast Cancer Drug Shows Positive Results In Late-Stage Trial
Analysts anticipate a sales potential for the drug of $1.5 billion in 2030
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Some Antidepressants Linked to Faster Cognitive Decline in Dementia Patients
Antidepressant medications were associated with faster rates of cognitive decline in patients with dementia, a national cohort study in Sweden showed.
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Congo mystery disease "investigation deepens" as deadly, unidentified illness spreads, WHO say
The World Health Organization said Thursday that its "investigation deepens" into a mystery illness suspected of killing more than 60 people in the northern Democratic Republic of Congo over the past five weeks, warning it was continuing to spread.
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Morning blue light therapy improves sleep and daily activity in older adults
Blue-enriched light can improve sleep quality and daily activity in older adults living at home, according to new research.
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Comprehensive resource describes functions of more than 20,000 human genes
A comprehensive encyclopedia of the known functions of all protein-coding human genes has just been completed and released.
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US woman sues after carrying wrong baby in IVF error
A US woman who unknowingly carried and delivered a baby boy who was not biologically hers is launching legal proceedings against an IVF clinic over the mix-up, after being forced to give up custody.
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Health Care Industry News | |
Trump doubles down on price transparency in new executive order
President Donald Trump called upon three federal agencies to enforce a 2019 order requiring hospitals to post prices for services.
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Physicians say prior authorization stands in the way of medically necessary care
Physicians surveyed by the AMA say that PA can cause care delays or force patients to abandon treatment. They warn denials could increase as insurers adopt AI to review claims.
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Healthcare was most breached sector in 2024: report
Last year, the healthcare industry accounted for 23% of data breaches handled by financial and risk advisory firm Kroll, compared with 18% in 2023.
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Hospitals are more packed post-pandemic
Hospital occupancy rates were higher in 2024 than 2019. If occupancy rates trend up, the nation could face a bed shortage by 2032, according to researchers.
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It’s No Longer Business as Usual for UnitedHealth, or the Entire Healthcare Industry
A backdrop of harsh scrutiny on the industry explains sharp market reaction to investigation into UnitedHealth
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How TikTok 'brain rot' impacts brain structure and function
Frequent use of smartphone apps like TikTok could affect the brain on a structural and functional level, new data suggest.
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Physical Activity Lowers Brain Disease Risk
A large study found that people who engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity are significantly less likely to develop dementia, stroke, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.
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Dessert stomach emerges in the brain
Who hasn't been there? The big meal is over, you're full, but the craving for sweets remains. Researchers have now discovered that what we call the 'dessert stomach' is rooted in the brain. The same nerve cells that make us feel full after a meal are also responsible for our craving for sweets afterwards.
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How parenthood may help keep your brain young
Researchers find that parents show patterns of brain connectivity that oppose age-related changes.
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Alzheimer’s Study Identifies 16 Risk Genes
A large whole-genome sequencing study has uncovered 16 new genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease, expanding genetic research beyond European ancestry.
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Single Gene Links Autism, Epilepsy via Brain Circuit Development
The gene neuropilin2 regulates inhibitory neuron migration and excitatory neuron connections, essential for balanced brain activity.
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HeartCare Imaging, Inc. | Phone: 561-746-6125 | Fax: 561-741-2036 | info@heartcareimaging.com | | | | |
