![]() The EKG is recorded on magnetic tape or other digital medium.Ĭardiac event monitor technology varies among different devices. The recording device itself is not covered as durable medical equipment (DME) separate from the total diagnostic service.Īn event monitor, or event recorder, is a patient-activated or event-activated EKG device that intermittently records cardiac arrhythmic events as they occur. ![]() Documentation of medical necessity is required for monitoring longer than 24 hours. A 24-hour recording is generally adequate to detect most transient arrhythmias. The data is then computer-analyzed at a later time, and a physician interprets the computer-generated report. The recording is captured either on a magnetic tape or other digital medium. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), through the national coverage determination (NCD) process, may create new ambulatory EKG monitoring device categories if published, peer-reviewed clinical studies demonstrate evidence of improved clinical utility, or equal utility with additional advantage to the patient, as indicated by improved patient management and/or improved health outcomes in the Medicare population (such as superior ability to detect serious or life-threatening arrhythmias) as compared to devices or services in the currently described categories below.ĭescriptions of Ambulatory EKG Monitoring Technologiesĭynamic electrocardiography devices that continuously record a real-time EKG, commonly known as Holter™ monitors, typically record over a 24-hour period. Additionally, AECG is used to evaluate patient response to initiation, revision, or discontinuation of arrhythmic drug therapy. Such symptoms include syncope, dizziness, chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath. AECG is most typically used to evaluate symptoms that may correlate with intermittent cardiac arrhythmias and/or myocardial ischemia. ![]() AECG devices are intended to provide the physician with documented episodes of arrhythmia, which may not be detected using a standard 12-lead EKG. There is no coverage for EKG services when rendered as a screening test or as part of a routine examination unless performed as part of the one-time, “Welcome to Medicare” preventive physical examination under section 611 of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003.Īmbulatory electrocardiography (AECG) refers to services rendered in an outpatient setting over a specified period of time, generally while a patient is engaged in daily activities, including sleep. ![]() Coverage includes the review and interpretation of EKGs only by a physician. EKG recordings are used to diagnose a wide range of heart disease and other conditions that manifest themselves by abnormal cardiac electrical activity.ĮKG services are covered diagnostic tests when there are documented signs and symptoms or other clinical indications for providing the service. ![]() Electrodes placed on the body in predetermined locations sense this electrical activity, which is then recorded by various means for review and interpretation. An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a graphic representation of electrical activity within the heart. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |