2019 AATS/ACC/ASE/SCAI/STS Expert Consensus Systems of Care Document: A Proposal to Optimize Care for Patients With Valvular Heart Disease: A Joint Report of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American College of Cardiology, American Society of Echocardiography, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Summary and Next Steps2628 Presidents and Staff2629 References2629 Appendix 1 Abbreviations2631 Appendix 2 Author Relationships With Industry and Other Entities (Relevant)2632 Appendix 3 Peer Reviewer Relevant RWI2634 Preamble This statement was commissioned as a Multisociety Expert Consensus Systems of Care Document by the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS), American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), and Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). With the rapid evolution and dissemination of transcatheter technologies, as well as advances in surgical repair and valve replacement techniques, there is an imperative for the cardiovascular community to establish the provider, institutional, and systems-based standards for delivery of high-quality valvular heart disease (VHD) care. [...]implementation of optimal treatment strategies for patients with VHD will affect a sizable portion of the population (7). Access to appropriate care is critical, but as the complexity and cost of diagnosis and treatment continues to increase, it will not be feasible for all institutions to provide the full complement of resources and clinical experts necessary to care for the full spectrum of patients with VHD, while also ensuring the highest-quality outcomes.1.2 Statement of the Problem Providing optimal care to patients with VHD is an increasingly complex process, starting with early recognition and diagnosis at the primary care/general cardiology level and including appropriate timing of referral for further evaluation and management, MDT assessment, shared decision-making, and long-term follow-up.