1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
GENERAL SESSIONS
1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Keynote Session
Quantifying Health: Data, Discovery and the Path to Longevity
This keynote session will explore a transformative view of health, moving beyond the absence of disease toward a measurable, data-driven definition. Attendees will gain insights into personal and population-level interventions proven to extend healthy lifespan and discover groundbreaking scientific advances reshaping our understanding of cardiovascular health and disease. Designed for every member of the cardiovascular team, this session bridges science and strategy to chart the future of health.
Speaker: Clay B. Marsh, M, Chancellor and Executive Dean, Health Sciences, West Virginia University
2:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
In July 2025, the CMS proposed adding cardiac ablation procedures to the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Covered Procedures List – a significant policy shift from prior denials. Against this backdrop, cardiac ablation remains one of the fastest-evolving services in cardiovascular care, with growing attention on its potential role in ASCs. This session will provide a deep dive into the U.S. cardiac ablation market, highlighting the latest trends and drivers shaping the field. The speaker will explore the current ASC landscape, examining how ablations fit into today’s outpatient care model. Looking ahead, he will discuss what’s on the horizon – how advances in technology, shifts in policy, and evolving practice patterns may transform the role of ASCs in delivering ablation procedures.
Speaker: David N. Kenigsberg, MD, FACC, FHRS, Cardiac Electrophysiologist; President, Florida Heart & Vascular; Founder, Ft. Lauderdale Heart & Rhythm Surgical Center; CMO, Pulse Biosciences, Inc.
2:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
As value-based care moves from concept to execution, cardiology is emerging as a proving ground for new payment and care delivery models. This session unites payer and physician perspectives on value-based care to align incentives, improve outcomes, and control costs in cardiovascular care. Experts will share payer insights into what defines “value” in specialty care, the contracting models being deployed to reward quality and efficiency, and the capabilities cardiology practices need to thrive in these arrangements. Attendees will also explore strategies to engage physicians in value-based delivery models, enhancing patient outcomes while ensuring clinical and financial sustainability.
Speakers:
Moderator: Joel Sauer, MBA, Executive Vice President, Consulting, MedAxiom
4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
The regulatory and legislative environment for healthcare is constantly evolving and significantly impacts cardiovascular practices. This session will provide an overview of the proposed changes to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Outpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rules for 2026. Speakers will highlight the key impacts on cardiovascular services, including the conversion factor , valuation changes, and the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Covered Procedures List. Speakers will also share important ACC and MedAxiom advocacy initiatives through the end of 2025 and into 2026.
Speakers:
4:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
The Cutting Edge of CV Innovation: HeartX Cohort Company Pitches
Hear short overviews from the most recent cohort of companies participating in HeartX. HeartX is the cardiovascular-focused healthcare accelerator created by MedAxiom and Health Tech Arkansas to facilitate pilot projects and clinical trials for accomplished, early-stage companies bringing new cardiovascular innovations to market. This cohort is the best-of-the-best from over 100 innovations that applied in 2025. The format will quickly expose you to new innovations and presenters will remain for discussions throughout the conference. Please join us for this glimpse into the future.
Speakers:
7:15 a.m. - 7:45 a.m.
EDUCATIONAL SPOTLIGHT BREAKFAST SESSION
Beyond the Image: Enabling Patient-Centered Care and Health System Growth With CCTA + Heartflow
Sponsored by Heartflow
Discover how Geisinger Health System moved past traditional diagnostics to enable better patient outcomes with the CCTA + Heartflow platform. In this session, faculty will share real-world strategies and actionable insights on:
Speakes:
12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
EDUCATIONAL SPOTLIGHT LUNCH SESSIONS
See the Change, Change the Approach: Transform Cardiovascular Care With Cleerly Compare
Sponsored by Cleerly
Discover how Cleerly Compare is redefining the way heart disease is monitored and managed. Learn how you can compare cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) scans to visualize changes in plaque and coronary artery disease progression. By observing how scans change over time, physicians can track disease progression or changes in plaque state and stenosis to identify hidden risks for their patient’s future heart health.
Speaker: John Osborne, MD, PhD, FACC, FNLA, Chief Medical Officer, ClearCardio LLC
Unlocking the Value of Cardiac PET Imaging: Considerations for Launching an Exemplary Program
Sponsored by Bracco
Key takeaways from this program:
Speaker: Jori Ward, COO, Naples Heart Rhythm Specialists
Your Data, Your Journey: The Value of Data Migration and Integration
Sponsored by Murj
As cardiovascular practice models evolve, the ability to integrate and share data seamlessly is central to advancing patient care. In this 30-minute lunch spotlight, we’ll highlight how interoperability enables scalable workflows and stronger collaboration among clinicians, IT and industry partners.
Speakes:
12:45 p.m. - 1:10 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
This session will share best practices from the Sleep Center at Virginia Heart, defined by patient-centered and quality-driven treatment plans carried out by experienced and diversified sleep specialists. In addition to the need for defining clear goals for centers, speakers from Virginia Heart will also establish the importance of identifying a physician champion for the program. Attendees will leave the session with strategies for developing a pro forma that includes testing and equipment needs, such as polysomnography and durable medical equipment.
Speakers:
Fast-Track Cardiac Care: Leveraging Urgent Care Clinics and CV Imaging to Improve Access and Outcomes
As cardiovascular disease continues to strain emergency departments and delay outpatient follow-up, some programs are charting a new course: integrating cardiovascular imaging into urgent care-style clinics. This fast-track model is designed to improve access, accelerate diagnosis, and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations.
In this session, we’ll explore how innovative programs are embedding cardiac imaging into same-day or next-day evaluation pathways. From staffing models and equipment considerations to clinical workflows and governance, we’ll share the operational nuts and bolts that make these programs work and the pitfalls to avoid. Real-world examples will highlight both wins and challenges, offering a balanced perspective on what it takes to build and sustain urgent access for cardiovascular care.
Speaker: Ann Marie Holys-Dryps, MBA, CRA, FACHE, FACC, System Vice President, Norton Heart and Vascular Institute
Untangling the Maze and Improving Prior Authorizations (101)
Cardiovascular programs continue to navigate a fragmented and resource-intensive prior authorization landscape. This session will help participants assess the current state of their authorization processes and identify common breakdowns. Peer insights from a recent cardiovascular-focused survey will highlight workflow standardization, cross-team communication tactics and the role of technology in reducing friction.
Speakers:
1:15 p.m. - 1:40 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
From Concept to Catheter: Operationalizing a Renal Denervation Program
This session will explain the concept of care pathways and their importance in standardizing cardiovascular care. After the session, learners will be able to identify key steps in developing and optimizing care pathways within cardiovascular programs. In addition to highlighting the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in pathway design and implementation, the speaker will share strategies to monitor, measure and refine care pathways to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiencies.
Speakers: Ruth Fisher, MBA, Vice President, Heart & Vascular Service Line, Cone Health
From Chaos to Clarity: Optimizing Care Pathways in Cardiology for Better Outcomes and Efficiency
This session will explain the concept of care pathways and their importance in standardizing cardiovascular care. After the session, learners will be able to identify key steps in developing and optimizing care pathways within cardiovascular programs. In addition to highlighting the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in pathway design and implementation, the speaker will share strategies to monitor, measure and refine care pathways to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiencies.
Speaker: Lesley M. Jones Larson, MHA, FACHE, Cardiac Service Line Administrator, St. Charles Healthcare
From Data to Decisions: Building Dashboards That Drive CV Performance (101)
Dashboards are everywhere, but how many actually move the needle? In this session, speakers will explore how cardiovascular programs are leveraging strategic key performance indicators to drive not only observation but action. From imaging to access to throughput, learn how to design dashboards that align stakeholders, surface what matters, and create momentum for improvement. Expect real-world examples, hard-earned lessons, and a practical roadmap for turning your data into operational power.
Speaker: Carrie Miller, MHA FACHE, Vice President, Clinical Operations, Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, Advocate Health NC/GA Division Heart & Vascular Service Line
1:45 p.m. - 2:10 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Data With Purpose: The ROI and Clinical Impact of CV Registries
In today’s environment of rising complexity, cost constraints and demand for transparency, cardiovascular programs must demonstrate both clinical excellence and value. This session explores the use of ACC’s NCDR registries beyond benchmarking alone. Examples will explore registry use as a strategic asset to improve outcomes, support financial sustainability, drive operational efficiencies, and strengthen market positioning. Attendees will learn how to leverage registry data to make informed decisions and demonstrate return on investment (ROI) within the cardiovascular service line.
Speaker: Denise Busman, MSN, RN, CPHQ, FACC, Vice President, Care Transformation Services, MedAxiom
Transforming APP Leadership: Building Structures That Drive CV Success
As cardiovascular care evolves, the integration of Advanced Practice Provider (APP) leadership into organizational strategy is essential for sustainable growth and excellence. This session will outline the foundational components needed to establish effective leadership structures, highlight the value of APP leadership roles within executive teams, and explore the benefits of the Triad Leadership Model. Participants will gain insights into how these structures not only optimize team performance but also deliver measurable impact on organizational strategy, culture, and patient care outcomes.
Speaker: Kimberly J. Woodall-Williams, MSN, RN, CPNP AC/PC, CNML, Director, Advanced Practice Providers, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, CHOA
Team Based GDMT Delivery: A Virtual Model for Heart Failure Success
This session will describe the rationale for virtual guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) clinics in the management of heart failure (HF) and their impact on clinical outcomes. Speakers will use their real-world experiences to explore the following key steps in developing a team-based care GDMT delivery model for patients with HF:
Speakers:
2:15 p.m. - 2:40 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
MedAxcess Innovations: Subspecialty Metrics and Comprehensive Data Stories
Discover the latest MedAxcess innovations designed to unlock deeper insights and support decision-making. Explore the additions of program-level subspecialty metrics for more precise benchmarking across cardiovascular programs, Electrophysiology Insights and the enhanced Riskometer.
Speakers:
Overcoming Bottlenecks, Securing Buy-in: Building Capacity for Structural Heart Growth
As demand for structural heart services grows, many programs are constrained by limited resources and inefficiencies. This session will feature a physician leader who leveraged a MedAxiom and Edwards-sponsored capacity assessment program to identify workflow bottlenecks, assess existing resources, and define what was needed to support sustainable growth. Attendees will learn how the team translated clinical insights into a structured business case that secured institutional support and investment. Through this real-world example, participants will gain practical strategies to evaluate their own programs, articulate needs, and drive capacity expansion.
Speaker: P. Matthew Belford, MD, FSCAI, Interventional Cardiologist, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist; Associate Professor, Cardiovascular Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Moderator: Joel Sauer, MBA, Executive Vice President, Consulting, MedAxiom
Activating the Ambulatory Specialty Model: Virtual and Team-Based Approaches to CHF Management
Chronic heart failure (CHF) remains a leading driver of cardiovascular admissions, costs and patient burden. Discover how virtual care, ambulatory specialty models, and team-based strategies transform CHF management, reduce admissions, and improve outcomes for high-risk cardiovascular patients.
Speakers:
3:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
GENERAL SESSIONS
3:15 p.m. - 3:40 p.m.
Comprehensive CV Care: Improving Outcomes and Efficiency Through Referral Pathways
The Minneapolis Heart Institute C5 Program is designed to improve outcomes and efficiency across the full continuum of cardiac care, from community hospitals to advanced tertiary centers. This session will explore how optimizing cardiology referral patterns and streamlining care pathways can enhance patient outcomes, strengthen local and regional hospital capabilities, and ensure appropriate transfers for specialized interventions. Participants will gain strategies for improving outpatient follow-up, inpatient management, and emergency cardiovascular care. The session will also address the business and operational impacts of more efficient cardiovascular care delivery.
Speakers:
3:45 p.m. - 4:10 p.m.
Emergency Department-Cardiology Synergy for Smarter Care and Smoother Flow
This session explores how cardiology and emergency medicine teams can work together to transform cardiovascular care through shared pathways, streamlined communication and the strategic use of observation medicine. Presenters will highlight best practices in developing and implementing patient care pathways that improve efficiency, clinical outcomes, and the overall patient and clinician experience, especially for patients presenting with high-impact cardiovascular conditions such as chest pain, atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
Speakers:
4:10 p.m. - 4:35 p.m.
Rewriting the Business Model of Cardiology: Thriving Beyond Inpatient Care
Cardiovascular service lines (CVSLs) are facing mounting pressures from declining inpatient revenue, rising expenses, and the shift to outpatient care models. This session will explore practical strategies for leaders to adapt and thrive within the context of operational and regulatory constraints. Attendees will learn how to assess opportunities to expand ambulatory cardiovascular services, such as ASCs, office-based labs, and co-located outpatient diagnostics. The speaker will explore evidence-based approaches to contain costs while preserving quality and engaging the workforce. Participants will understand how to minimize leakage and improve procedural access through streamlined referrals, scheduling efficiency, and CVSL redesign. Finally, the speaker will align CVSL improvement with broader health system priorities, including value-based care initiatives, physician partnerships, and long-term capital investment planning.
Speaker: Amy Brownell, MSN, FNP-C, FACC, Cardiovascular Service Line Director, Ascension Illinois Market
4:35 p.m. - 5:20 p.m.
ePoster Winner Presentations: Transforming the Future of CV Care
Join us as we celebrate our first cohort of ePoster winners! The MedAxiom CV Transforum Abstract Review Committee selected four abstracts under the following topic areas to be displayed as electronic poster presentations (ePosters). These submissions represent the projects most likely to transforum the future of cardiovascular care:
Moderator: Denise Busman, MSN, RN, CPHQ, FACC, Vice President, Care Transformation Services, MedAxiom
8:30 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.
GENERAL SESSIONS
8:30 a.m. - 8:55 a.m.
Peer Review Plus: The Peer Review Revolution Is Here
It's been two years since MedAxiom introduced the concept of Peer Review Plus (PR+), our revolutionary approach to healthcare peer review. At this session, attendees will witness the first public demonstration of the PR+ prototype. We'll use real clinical data with a practicing cardiologist to showcase this first-of-its-kind, patent-pending solution. PR+ is designed to efficiently conduct unbiased, standardized and quantitative clinical performance evaluations. By harnessing the collective wisdom of cardiovascular professionals nationwide, PR+ removes inherent bias, incorporates objective outside perspectives, and promotes adherence to societal guidelines – all within an intuitive, secure, and fully digitized system.
Speaker: Joel Sauer, MBA, Executive Vice President, Consulting, MedAxiom
8:55 a.m. - 9:40 a.m.
Practical Applications of Genomic Precision Medicine for CV Care
To close the gap between precision medicine’s promise and clinical reality, this session will cover the latest in genomic precision medicine, service needs in cardiology. The speaker will also explore strategies for integrating genetic insights into everyday practice. Attendees will hear how health systems worldwide are reorganizing services, collaborating with medical genetics, and addressing the influx of direct-to-consumer testing. With data on projected growth in cardiology genetics, emerging screening approaches, and innovations in service planning for cost-effective, population-level care, participants will gain practical tools to plan, implement and lead the future of genomic cardiovascular medicine.
Speaker: Anwar Chahal, MD, PhD, FACC, MRCP, FESC, Director, Center for Inherited CV Disease, WellSpan Health
9:40 a.m. - 10:10 a.m.
Empowering Hearts: The Role of Female Leadership in Cardiovascular Medicine and Beyond
In an era of rapid transformation in cardiovascular healthcare delivery, adaptive leadership is more critical than ever. This session will explore current leadership challenges imposed by shifting care models, technological disruption and workforce demands. Attendees will examine how physician leaders are selected across diverse organizational structures and learn how these choices impact strategy and outcomes. Special emphasis will be placed on the unique and increasingly vital role of female cardiologists in leadership – unpacking the fresh perspectives, collaborative strengths and novel approaches they bring to the boardroom.
Speaker: Denise M. Sorrentino, MD, FHRS, FACC, Physician Operations Leader, Iowa Heart Center/MercyOne
10:10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
AI/PFA/ASC: Maintaining Centers of EP Excellence in a Rapidly Changing Landscape
As demand for EP services continues to surge, building a scalable and patient-centered program is more critical than ever. This session will explore best practices for developing an EP center of excellence – from infrastructure and workforce planning to care coordination and quality oversight, including which metrics to track across an enterprise. The presenter will also highlight the potential growth of shifting EP procedures to the ambulatory setting and how this transformation can expand access, improve throughput, and position programs for long-term success in a value-based environment.
Speaker: Samuel O. Jones, IV, MD, MPH, FACC, Director, Inpatient Electrophysiology, Memorial Hospital
10:45 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.
Leveraging MedAxcess Data to Drive Access, Efficiency and Change in CV Care
During this session, speakers from two programs will describe how they leveraged MedAxcess to identify areas for improvement in key metrics, such as follow-up versus patient visits. They will also discuss how they applied these metrics to guide strategic and operational decisions for the cardiovascular service line (CVSL) that ultimately improved patient access. Through real-world experiences, speakers will explain how defining and implementing a “value” quality metric – tied to access and physician compensation – drove change management initiatives, operational adjustments and measurable improvements. After the sessions, attendees will identify practical change management options, including template redesign and APP utilization, that can be applied to optimize physician compensation and enhance performance across the CVSL.
Speakers:
11:20 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.
Preliminary Results From the Workforce Survey: Ambulatory Cardiology Nursing and Clinical Support
As cardiology continues to shift toward ambulatory settings, it is critical to clearly define roles and establish national benchmarks for the care team. To educate our membership community, MedAxiom has developed a survey to gather information on outpatient registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and medical assistants. This presentation will share some of the initial findings from the report and insights into evolving workforce roles and top-of-license responsibilities.
Speaker: Jenny Kennedy, DNP, RN, CHFN, NEA-BC, FACC, Vice President, Care Transformation Services, MedAxiom
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