Who Should Treat In The Hospital?
August 13, 1999 – Hospitalized CHF patients treated by cardiologists are less likely to be readmitted to the hospital and have better quality of life than those treated by other types of doctors. Researchers reported their findings in the August issue of the journal CHEST. Diuretics and digoxin have long been the most common drugs used for heart failure. Major trials have shown that ACE inhibitors can help CHF patients have longer, more active lives. These drugs help heart function by easing the load on a failing heart. Authors of the study said that new CHF treatments require care from CHF specialists. At the same time, they note that managed care plans are increasing the role of PCPs in CHF treatment. This study involved 2,454 patients at 10 community hospitals in 3 groups: • patients not treated by a cardiologist • patients whose attending doctor was a cardiologist • patients who had consultation from a cardiologist but whose attending doctor was not a cardiologist • All patients we
