The spotlight was on quality during ACC.08, held March 29-April 1 in Chicago. Several ACC.08 presentations focused on quality-related topics. On Sunday, March 30, the ACC.08 Quality Spotlight addressed "Practice Innovation: Driving Revenue, Quality and Value." Topics included future payment models, comparative effectiveness, challenges of translating science into practice and recommendations for reforming health care. 

In addition, the ACC.08 Scientific Showcase featured the Simon Dack Lecture by Donald M. Berwick, M.D., CEO of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement; presidential address by ACC President James T. Dove, M.D., M.A.C.C.; an ENHANCE trial presentation including a panel discussion; and more. The text of Dr. Dove's speech is available.

McClellan speaks with ACC.08 attendees prior to the Bishop Lecture

On Monday, March 31, the Louis F. Bishop Lecture featured former CMS Administrator Mark McClellan, M.D. McClellan addressed the question: “Will Quality Come First in Health Care System Reform?” 

During ACC.08, the ACC conducted a member survey to determine physician feelings on health system reform. The results indicate inefficiencies in quality of care. According to the survey, at least one-in-ten cardiovascular professionals often encounter: unavailability of medical records; compromises in patient care; repeated tests/procedures; and inappropriate follow-up.

Visit the ACC.08 homepage to find more information about the event, session recordings, links to on-site interviews with presentors and much more.

Additional coverage of ACC.08 quality presentations can be found in back issues of the ACC Annual Scientific Session's newspaper, Scientific Session News.