Angioplasty procedures in decline

According to an article published in USA Today, angioplasty procedures--performed 650,000 to 1 million times per year in the U.S. alone--are on the decline. Recent studies that have concluded that the procedure is "riskier" than necessary and "no more beneficial than medication" are seen is primary reasons for its drop in number. The cost of the procedure--which is usually between $10,000 and $12,000--and overuse also are seen as a major factors in the decline. Overall, angioplasties have declined by 10 to 15 percent over the last two years, according to the article. 

For more information:
- read a blog in the Wall Street Journal
- check out USA Today's take