Regionalization of Care for Acute Coronary Syndromes: More Evidence Is Needed.

Comments on the push for regional treatment centers for patients with acute coronary syndromes. Planning for regionalized care begun by the State of Maryland; Presentation of concerns for this approach to patient care and possible unintended consequences; Arguments for the benefits of the ACS centers, which are based on studies with notable limitations; Lack of clear consensus on the specific nature of ACS regionalization; Risks to patients; Concerns about how the direct admission of ACS patients will be handled; Economic implications; Concern that regionalization may be the end of quality care at non-ACS facilities; Conclusion and belief there is not enough data to support the value of these centers at this time.