STS News - Summer 2016

The world of transcatheter aortic valve replacement is changing rapidly, and cardiothoracic surgeons have the opportunity to “help drive the train”—or get left behind.

Institutions participating in STS Public Reporting Online for adult cardiac surgery soon will receive extra credit in U.S. News & World Report’s rankings of best hospitals.

As surgeons, we are on an eternal quest to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. The questions we ask ourselves include: Should we perform an invasive procedure or can we use a minimally invasive approach? Which valve do we use? Which access point is the best?

The increasing emphasis on quality over quantity is driving a number of changes in cardiothoracic surgical practice, and cardiothoracic surgeons are well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities.

Summer is here in full force, and so is budget season at STS. Although budgeting probably is not a favorite task for most, it is critically important to the Society’s operational and financial success.

Find the latest updates on STS member job changes, promotions, and awards.

Accurate coding of cardiothoracic surgery procedures is essential for receiving optimal reimbursement. Surgeons and coders must work together to correctly describe the work being performed.

STS members and subscribers to The Annals of Thoracic Surgery are loyal readers. A new survey found that 85% of respondents read The Annals at least once per month.

Data from the STS National Database are being utilized in a study to understand predictors of 30-day readmission and 30-day death after heart surgery in children and adults.

Cardiothoracic surgeon Larry Bucshon, MD is both an STS member and a member of the United States House of Representatives, shares his thoughts on pressing issues facing the specialty.