At the end of this activity, participants will: 

• Describe the importance of a patient's risk profile in choosing a diagnostic imaging test,
• Apply the appropriate use criteria and needs to evaluate available resources in decision making, and
• Define the strengths and limitations of multimodality imaging in patients with chest pain and suspected coronary artery disease

The goal of activity is to address knowledge and competence gaps in using risk stratification and the spectrum of available diagnostic imaging tests to select the best test for each patient to answer the clinical question.this 

The following gaps in practice have been identified to demonstrate the learner’s need for the skills and strategies presented in education activity:

Ischemic heart disease is currently a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the US. Advancements have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease, however, morbidity and mortality from CAD and its related complications remain high in part due to the increasing prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes. With increasing emphasis towards high value care, a premium is placed on delivering quality care that adds value at lower costs. In cardiovascular medicine, this can be achieved with diagnostic testing delivering superior accuracy for obstructive CAD, one which stratifies patients into more specific risk categories and correctly identifies those requiring further testing and/or interventions. The patient should be at the center of our efforts, our attention and our decision making. Patients have great variability and there is considerable variation in local expertise and test availability.

Optimal utilization involves using the right test for the right patient at the right time. Nuclear cardiology imagers must be prepared to interact at various parts of the clinical care pathway to optimize the value of the diagnostic tests they perform. These healthcare providers need to outline the advantages, risks, and costs of certain tests and work with the referring physician to understand how the test result will be used to manage and or change the patient's care.

For nuclear cardiology and multimodality imagers, understanding and implementing the latest advances in the field of nuclear cardiology and positioning the value of these tests appropriately within the diagnostic work-up of patients, will allow them to provide value-based care and ensure continued success. For general cardiologists and interventional cardiologists, a baseline level of understanding the strengths and limitations of the various diagnostic tests available will help drive more cost-effective, patient-centered healthcare and better patient outcomes. 

Evaluation Deadlines:

• AMA PRA Category 1 and Participation Credits = August 15, 2022

The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Physicians:  The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology designates this Enduring activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

Release Date: August 16, 2021

Expiration Date: August 15, 2022

This activity is supported by an educational grant from Astellas Pharma Global Development inc.

Windows Requirements:
Operating system: Windows 10+
Browser: Chrome v90.0+, Firefox v84.0+, Edge v90.0+
Internet connection: DSL, cable modem, or other high-speed connection

Macintosh Requirements:
Operating system: Mac OS X 10.6.8+
Browser: Mozilla Firefox v84.0+, Safari 14+, Chrome v90.0+
Internet connection: DSL, cable modem, or other high-speed connection