Cardiology is quickly becoming a key point of investment for hospitals and health systems developments in technology and new CMS approvals expand outpatient capabilities within the specialty amid persistent demand among the U.S. population.
From opening cardiac ASCs to expanding heart surgery services, here are eight hospitals and health systems making investments in cardiology over the last month:
1. Exeter (N.H.) Hospital raised more than $1.275 million this year to support the expansion of cardiac services, including a new cardiac catheterization lab and advanced imaging equipment. The planned investments will expand access to cardiology services and advanced cardiac care for patients across the region.
2.Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Novant Health plans to submit a certificate-of-need application by June 15 for a proposed 120-bed heart and vascular tower in Wilmington, N.C., setting up a competitive review process with Chapel Hill, N.C.-based UNC Health for newly approved hospital beds in the region. The 2026 North Carolina State Medical Facilities Plan identified a need for 225 inpatient beds in New Hanover County and 18 beds in neighboring Brunswick County. UNC Health also plans to apply for a portion of the beds through a proposed community hospital in Wilmington.
Novant’s proposed tower is part of a more than $1 billion investment announced in February for southeastern North Carolina. The project would include inpatient beds, surgical suites, cardiac catheterization labs and electrophysiology labs.
3. Hartford (Conn.) HealthCare completed its $3 million acquisition of Wallingford, Conn.-based Consulting Cardiologists P.C. following a legal settlement that cleared the path for the deal. Once integrated, Consulting Cardiologists’ physicians, staff and facilities will operate under Hartford HealthCare’s Heart and Vascular Institute.
4. The Medical University of South Carolina opened the first ASC for heart care in the state. The surgery center is located at the MUSC Health West Ashley Medical Pavilion in Charleston, S.C. Services provided at the facility include ablations, pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators and other common cardiology procedures.
5. Manchester, N.H.-based Elliot Health System expanded its electrophysiology program with new catheter ablation services for atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm disorders, along with a Watchman left atrial appendage closure implant program.
6. San Francisco-based Dignity Health leased 25,330 square feet at Park Central in Phoenix for a new outpatient cardiology center. The center will include 39 exam rooms, two echocardiogram rooms, a nuclear medicine room and an infusion suite.
7. Presque Isle, Maine-based Northern Light AR Gould Hospital began offering coronary computed tomography angiography and carotid endarterectomy procedures. Radiologist Alan Mautz, MD, and cardiologist Rodolfo Aldir, MD, performed the hospital’s first coronary CTA on March 25. The service expansion followed new CT equipment installation, specialized technologist training and collaboration with the cardiology team.
8. West Plains, Mo.-based Ozarks Healthcare entered a partnership with Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston, Mo., bringing interventional cardiologist Muhammad Khan, MD, to patients in both communities.
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