Cardiac Center of Excellence

World-Class Heart Care for Employees

Our Cardiac Center of Excellence (COE) program offers employees and their covered dependents access to Cleveland Clinic's world-renowned heart care. As a participant in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) public reporting initiative, Cleveland Clinic is proud to achieve a three-star rating (highest) in seven categories.

Our world-renowned Cardiac Center of Excellence program helps those in need of non-emergent heart surgeries. By using a predictive algorithm, clinicians can identify patients who are at risk of requiring heart surgery. A medical record review lets experts review a diagnosis to make sure surgery is necessary.

When employers implement a carve-out benefit, it allows 100% coverage for the employee and their covered dependents. Employees and their dependents receive a medical record review to make sure surgery is necessary. If it is necessary, our team can help with travel arrangements, provide a dedicated patient navigator and offer exceptional service for every program participant. By helping take care of the details, we give patients the freedom to focus on what's most important — their health and recovery.

Ablation Services Now Available through Our Cardiac Center of Excellence

The Ablation Expansion within the Cardiac Center of Excellence is an innovative offering from Cleveland Clinic's Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute (HVTI). It’s dedicated to the advanced treatment of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and other complex arrhythmias. It also includes a medical record review, treatment planning and a bundled episode of care that covers all aspects of the patient’s journey — from the first consultation to post-procedure follow-up.

This comprehensive approach means all necessary treatments and services are included in a single streamlined package, providing predictable costs and simplified processes for both patients and employers.

Patients who underwent ablation at Cleveland Clinic showed a 75% effectiveness rate compared to just 40% for those on medication alone. We’ve achieved a 94.1% success rate for ventricular ablations, above industry benchmarks from 80-90%. Our complication rate for atrial fibrillation ablations is 26% below the national benchmark and 50% below national benchmarks for ventricular arrhythmia ablations. After ablation procedures, patients often experience a significant reduction in AFib symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue. Their quality of life improves substantially, with up to 80% of patients reporting symptomatic relief post-ablation. Many patients can greatly reduce or eliminate their use of antiarrhythmic medications. Studies show that up to 60% of patients can stop taking these medications after successful ablation.

With the addition of the ablation offering, the following treatments may be provided to eligible patients:

• Pulsed-field Ablation (PFA) Technology: Using ultra-short, high-voltage electrical pulses for selective ablation, sparing non-cardiac tissues and reducing collateral damage. Cleveland Clinic was among the first to perform this tissue-sparing ablation procedure.
• 3D mapping systems: Offering high-resolution imaging for precise arrhythmia mapping and integration with PFA. Cleveland Clinic uses advanced 3D electroanatomic mapping systems to guide ablation therapies.
• Ablation catheters: Featuring contact force-sensing to ensure optimal catheter-tissue contact for effective lesion formation and high-density mapping to enhance accuracy in targeting arrhythmogenic tissue. Cleveland Clinic uses contact force-sensing catheters in their ablation procedures to enhance treatment outcomes.

Benefits of participating in the Cardiac Center of Excellence

• Appropriateness of care review: Leading experts review every case, ensuring the right patient receives the right care at the right time. Our expert reviews result in nearly 1 in 5 surgeries being avoided.
• Cost transparency & accountability: Bundled payments and shared risk provide predictable pricing and improved outcomes and can yield up to 30% savings on total cost of care.
• Care coordination: Improved care coordination from home to Centers of Excellence providers and postoperative follow-up enhances patient recovery.
• High-touch support: White-glove patient navigation throughout their entire care journey results in high employee satisfaction.
• Best in class care: Exceptional patient care provided by world class healthcare experts results in 23% fewer reoperations and 73% fewer complications.

Transparent, Predictable Pricing and Cost Savings

Imagine a healthcare solution that not only elevates the quality of care for your employees but also drives down healthcare costs. Partnering with our Centers of Excellence programs gives you access to Cleveland Clinic’s innovative facilities, expert medical teams, and integrated care pathways that deliver superior patient outcomes and a seamless healthcare experience.

Cleveland Clinic provides global case rates for the episode of care, including pre-op, surgical and post-op services. Our Centers of Excellence are built around an anchor procedure (CPT/ DRG) code. With preferred pricing, improved outcomes, and fewer complications, employers can expect to save up to 30% on the total cost of care.

Discover why some of the world’s largest companies have chosen to participate in our Cardiac Center of Excellence solution. Contact us today.