Current trends in U.S. cardiology practice.

Over the last six years, the practice of cardiology in the U.S. has experienced a substantial transition from independent practice to practices integrated within hospital systems. This change has been driven by major economic factors that have largely been determined by the federal government. Meanwhile, cardiologists׳ salaries and the demand for new cardiologists have remained stable. Best practices have embraced this new partnership with hospital systems to improve quality, cost, and access to cardiovascular care.