Cardiac catheterization laboratories: what are their prospects for growth?

The volume of cardiac catheterizations performed has grown rapidly in recent years; interest in offering this modality is great. But planning for this service has become complex; new technologies will change patterns of use, while economic constraints may make profitability more difficult to achieve. Hospital CEOs at those institutions that do not presently have cath labs should carefully consider the level of demand and the effects of changes in reimbursement before proceeding with plans to offer this service.