If you're looking for the best cardiology group in Bergen County or the top-rated cardiologist in NJ, you've come to the right place. Cross County Cardiology is a leading provider of comprehensive cardiovascular care, and we're committed to helping you maintain optimal heart health. One way we achieve this is through the implementation of a comprehensive cardiovascular program that emphasizes prevention.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, with nearly half of all cardiovascular-related deaths occurring without warning.1 Forty-seven percent of American adults have at least one key risk factor for CVD, making it a significant public health issue.3 Although demand for cardiovascular care continues to outpace the number of practicing cardiologists, our current approach to fighting this disease is unsustainable. To combat CVD, we need to shift our emphasis to prevention and early detection.
The Importance of Prevention
Historically, cardiovascular program leaders have focused on expanding invasive and interventional clinical services, which generate high revenue and margins, as part of their strategic growth efforts. However, advances in technology, innovation, and consumer preference are changing the landscape of cardiovascular care delivery, with a greater emphasis on prevention and personalized care. These changes also allow cardiovascular providers to manage patients across broader geographies, as well as over the span of the patient's lifetime.
Payers are also beginning to transition reimbursement toward value-based risk models in an effort to manage escalating costs. This allows cardiovascular providers to better manage patients, ultimately reducing costs and improving survival rates. To succeed as high-performing and consumer-oriented organizations, cardiovascular programs need to invest in prevention.
The Three Building Blocks of a Comprehensive Cardiovascular Program
Here are three important tools that Cross County Cardiology incorporates as essential building blocks of a comprehensive CVD prevention program:
- Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring (CACS)
CACS is a simple, non-invasive test that measures the amount of calcium buildup in the walls of the coronary arteries, which happens after plaque forms and remains in the arteries over time, resulting in calcification. Although CACS has been around for over 30 years and is widely considered a standard of care for evaluating a patient's CVD risk, it is underutilized.
A study published in November 2022 found that CACS improved the prediction of CVD risk by up to 3.5 times in patients with suspected obstructive coronary artery disease.6 However, most insurance companies, including Medicare, do not cover CACS.
- Advanced Lipid Profiling
Advanced lipid profiling measures the particle size and number of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, as well as other biomarkers, to assess a patient's CVD risk. This test allows us to identify patients who are at high risk of CVD even if they have "normal" cholesterol levels. By providing a more accurate assessment of a patient's CVD risk, advanced lipid profiling helps us tailor our prevention strategies to each patient's individual needs.
- Nutritional Counseling
Nutritional counseling is a vital part of our prevention program, as what we eat plays a significant role in our heart health. Our registered dietitians help patients develop personalized nutrition plans that include heart-healthy foods, as well as guidelines for portion control, cooking methods, and meal planning.
Investing in Prevention
By incorporating these three building blocks into our comprehensive CVD prevention program, Cross County Cardiology is helping patients achieve and maintain optimal heart health. If you're interested in learning more about our prevention program or scheduling an appointment with one of our top-rated cardiologists, contact us today.
References: R.J. Myerburg, K.M. Kessler
