Bridging the Reimbursement Gap for Remote Cardiac Monitoring

CMS currently reimburses just $19.41 for CPT Code 93296—based on an outdated assumption that remote monitoring takes only 28 minutes. In reality, it takes nearly 84 minutes and costs $79.57 when accounting for actual labor time, equipment, staff classification, and RVUs. This outdated model is forcing clinics to absorb steep losses—putting patient care at risk and threatening the future of life saving cardiac remote monitoring.

You Can Help.

Let’s work together to protect access to this essential, lifesaving care. Your Voice Can Help Raise 93296 Reimbursement – Your voice and expertise are urgently needed before September 12th, 2025!

From Grassroots to National Voice: The Story of CDPMA

The Cardiac Device Patient Monitoring Association (CDPMA) was formed in 2020 in direct response to a critical challenge: a nearly 90% proposed reduction in Medicare reimbursement for remote cardiac monitoring services. This drastic cut—applied to HCPCS code G2066, which temporarily replaced CPT 93299—was issued without sufficient industry input and based on flawed comparisons to less complex services.

Remote cardiac monitoring requires sophisticated technology, trained professionals, and ongoing patient management. The proposed rate ignored this reality and jeopardized access to life-saving care for thousands of patients with implantable cardiac devices.

Recognizing the threat, Cardiac RMS spearheaded Cardiac Device Patient Monitoring Association (CDPMA) in collaboration with other founding partners Vector Remote, IronRod Health, and Rhythm Management. Together, with legal representation from Foley & Lardner, the coalition gave cardiac monitoring providers a united national voice. CDPMA quickly became a powerful advocate for fair reimbursement, professional recognition, and better-informed policy decisions.

During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, CDPMA’s behind-the-scenes advocacy helped delay the implementation of the G2066 rate cut for three years. This effort safeguarded continued access to remote care at a time when in-person visits were limited—and demonstrated the essential role of remote monitoring in modern healthcare.

By 2024, CMS eliminated G2066 and transitioned technical component reimbursement to CPT codes 93297 and 93298, following CDPMA’s extensive engagement with CMS, NGS, RUC, and professional societies including the ACC and HRS. CDPMA’s detailed time-and-motion studies were instrumental in these changes, proving that CPT 93296 requires over 80 minutes to complete—far more than CMS’s outdated assumptions.

Re-evaluating CPT Code 93296

CPT Code 93296 covers the technical work involved in remotely monitoring patients with implanted cardiac devices like pacemakers and defibrillators. However, the reimbursement inputs used by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) haven’t been updated since 2018—and they no longer reflect the realities of how modern care is delivered.²

The Consequences of Outdated Reimbursement

According to the 2023 HRS Consensus Statement, current payment structures make it nearly impossible to deliver remote monitoring sustainably. Clinics are being forced to absorb substantial financial losses, threatening their ability to provide equitable, consistent care to all patients.

Clinics face a $60.16 shortfall per patient every 90 days, leading to a $240,640 annual loss per 1,000 patients.³
Staffing gaps of 0.5 FTE per 1,000 patients contribute to burnout, delayed alerts, and reduced monitoring capacity.³
Patient outcomes suffer, with slower responses to alerts increasing the risk of ER visits and hospitalizations.
Patients receive less technical support, leading to disengagement and noncompliance.
Clinics may be forced to cap enrollment, particularly affecting rural or underserved populations.

Cardiac RMS Leads the Push for Reimbursement Reform

As a founding member of the Cardiac Device Patient Monitoring Association (CDPMA), Cardiac RMS is leading the charge for change. We’ve submitted real-world data to CMS that clearly demonstrates the growing gap between current reimbursement for CPT 93296 and the actual resources needed to deliver quality care.

Your Voice Can Help Raise 93296 Reimbursement – Your voice and expertise are urgently needed before September 12, 2025!

What We’re Advocating

Raise reimbursement

From $19.41 to $79.57 by updating CMS inputs for labor time, equipment costs, staff classification, and RVUs.⁴

Why it matters

Fair reimbursement enables clinics to hire and retain skilled staff, process alerts quickly and manage growing patient loads.

The result

Sustainable, timely care and uninterrupted access to Class 1A-recommended remote monitoring for all patients.¹

Join the Movement

Cardiac RMS is working alongside national leaders—including the Heart Rhythm Society and the American College of Cardiology—to push for fair and future-ready reimbursement.

Add your voice to this important cause. Together, we can protect access to lifesaving cardiac remote monitoring.

Today, CDPMA continues to advocate for sustainable policies that support the future of cardiac remote monitoring. With a mission rooted in advocacy, education, and professional growth, CDPMA is driving positive change—ensuring that remote monitoring remains accessible, accurate, and valued within the healthcare system.

Sources & Supporting Data

HRS/EHRA/APHRS/LAHRS Consensus Statement on Practical Management of the Remote Device Clinic, 2023
CY 2018 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule, CMS
Based on 1,000-patient clinic: 467 CMS-allowed hours vs. 1,394 actual hours per 90-day cycle = 0.5 FTE gap; $60.16 shortfall per patient = $240,640/year
$19.41 is the 2025 national average reimbursement. Local rates vary. Visit the CMS Physician Fee Schedule for details.