Certainly, the Affordable Care Act was on your mind this year. But beyond how this massive law is changing health care, there was a story of a fatal accident as well as tales of medical malpractice that grabbed your attention. Here's our list of your favorite stories from 2013.

1.) CT scans of mummies debunk heart disease myths

At the American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions this year, scientists presented some surprising findings based on CT scans of mummies from four different parts of the world. Researchers found atherosclerosis, or hardened arteries, in 35 percent of the mummies they studied, prompting them to conclude that heart disease may be less dependent on diet and lifestyle, and perhaps more of a consequence of human aging.

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2.) Gamma camera collapses, kills patient and prompts GE to recall system

This summer, a patient at a VA medical center in New York City went in for routine imaging but never came out. The victim was apparently crushed to death when an Infinia Hawkeye 4 SPECT/CT fell on him. As a result, GE Healthcare, the maker of the device, recalled the system. The company also issued warning letters and safety recommendations to customers.

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3.) Will Obamacare kick sales reps out of the OR?

The days of having a sales representative physically present in the OR may be coming to a close. It's been a common occurrence as more physicians need support handling new medical devices, but it hasn't always been the most cost-effective way to go. Hospitals are experimenting with different approaches to handling suppliers as a result of health care reform, and medical device companies are looking for a new way to do business too.

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4.) Spotlight: ANA president on health care reform

While health care reform might be causing a lot of chaos for providers, there's one group that sees it as more of an opportunity than a setback. Karen Daley, president of the American Nurses Association, told DOTmed News that nurses are going to be utilized more under the law — and even more so if nurse practictioners are allowed to practice as primary care providers, which they are qualified to do.

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5.) Physicians reject most cost-saving measures in payment reform

Physicians are all for reducing the cost of health care — but most would rather the burden fall on insurance companies, device manufacturers, and patients, said a new survey from the Mayo Clinic. The survey asked around 2,500 U.S. physicians about their perceived role in addressing health care costs. Only 36 percent reported that practicing physicians have a "major responsibility" for reducing health care costs. In contrast, 60 percent said trial lawyers have a major responsibility, 59 percent chose health insurance companies, 56 percent chose device manufacturers and 52 percent agreed patients have a major role.

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