Posted by John O. Goodman, President

In a recent industry survey that was published in the February 2009 issue of HealthLeaders magazine, healthcare leaders were asked, “In your opinion, which service line today has the greatest potential to produce strong revenue growth within the next three years?” Cardiology was at the top ranking at 22%; however, overlooked was Vascular, which only received a vote of 2%. As I travel around the country meeting with hospital administrators and boards of directors, I have found that there is not as good a working knowledge about vascular disease as compared to heart disease. This also means there is a lack of understanding regarding the program-growth opportunities related to the vascular market.

The current economic crisis requires a new level of creative thinking and serious examination of all costs as well as opportunities to increase revenues.  Heart disease-related services will continue to increase overall revenue for hospitals. However, as boards, administrators and physicians begin to more fully understand the growing number of people afflicted with vascular disease, they will see how they can increase their revenues 50% to 75% over the next three to five years by providing an appropriate level of vascular care to their communities.