Service Line Focus: Advanced Imaging in Cardiovascular Care

CV advanced imaging is projected to grow 33% over the next decade. Significant progress has been made in coronary CT angiography (CCTA), cardiac PET, MRI, optical coherence tomography and intravascular ultrasound. Yet adoption of advanced imaging in CV service lines remains slow.

The American Heart Association meeting held in November 2024 highlighted these modalities, emphasizing their critical role in managing coronary artery and heart valve disease. Another nod to value of CV advanced imaging: CMS recently doubled CCTA reimbursement rates from $175 to $357, recognizing its potential to reduce the need for diagnostic catheterizations.

Note: Analysis excludes 0–17 age group. Sources: Impact of Change®, 2024; Proprietary Sg2 All-Payer Claims Data Set, 2022; The following 2022 CMS Limited Data Sets (LDS): Carrier, Denominator, Home Health Agency, Hospice, Outpatient, Skilled Nursing Facility; Claritas Pop-Facts®, 2024; Sg2 Analysis, 2025.

CV service line leaders must take steps to build capacity for increased demand for advanced imaging. That includes efforts to:

• Collaborate across cardiology and radiology teams to create road maps for investment, training and patient pathways.
• Plan for talent development, such as echo tech training pipelines, to meet the growing demand for skilled imaging professionals.
• Leverage emerging technologies, including integrated cardiac analysis in new CT machines, to stay ahead of industry trends.

For a deeper dive into considerations for CV imaging planning, Sg2 members can access the FAQ Incorporating Cardiac Imaging Into the Cardiovascular Service Line.

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