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Patient FAQs

These are frequently asked questions from patients about CIED remote monitoring

Cardiac RMS is a service company that specializes in monitoring remote transmissions from implantable cardiac devices such as pacemakers, implantable cardiac defibrillators and event recorders.

CIED (Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device) is a term used to group together implantable devices such as pacemakers, implantable cardiac defibrillators, and implantable event monitors. CIED remote monitoring is the review of automatic or patient triggered remote transmissions from the implanted devices.

Regular checks of your CIEDs are mandatory to examine the performance, safety, and remaining longevity of the implanted device. Remote follow up allows you to stay home and still have your device followed up on a regular basis, either scheduled or unscheduled if an alert needs to be communicated to your physician.

Yes, remote monitoring of the CIED is standard of care and can help detect any problems with the CIED between in clinic office visits. With the exception of an initial and annual in-person visit, all other CIED follow up assessments may be done remotely, consistent with the 2015 Heart Rhythm Society expert consensus statement on the remote device interrogation and monitoring.

In addition to treating abnormal heartbeats, cardiac devices automatically collect and store information about your heart rhythm and device function. All this information helps your healthcare team monitor your heart and make changes to your care as needed. If you have a concern or are experiencing frequent or distressing cardiac symptoms, call your device clinic and let them know—they may ask you to send a remote transmission. Additionally, your remote monitor may be programmed to automatically send a transmission to your clinic if your cardiac device sends an alert or if it is not working correctly

Some cardiac devices also collect information about fluid build-up in the lungs, and this can be useful for treating patients with heart failure.

Only authorized healthcare providers can access and read your remote transmission, using a secure Web site.

Remote monitoring, if used correctly, may reduce the occurrence of inappropriate ICD shocks or the need for hospitalization, and may improve device function and quality of life.

There are no disadvantages to remote monitoring. It is safe, easy to use, and helps your doctor quickly see important information about your implanted device.

In general, if you are taking a short trip (1–4 days) you can leave your remote monitor at home. However, you may want to take your remote monitor with you for longer trips. Airport security systems will not harm your remote monitor. Let your healthcare team know if you plan to travel for an extended period of time or plan to travel to another country.

Call Cardiac RMS at 844-367-7265 and a Patient Engagement Specialist will assist in checking to see if the monitor has become disconnected and will help you to get the monitor reconnected.

Cardiac RMS has a Patient Engagement Team that will help you with your remote monitor. They can be reached at 1-844-367-7265.

Generally, the best place to set-up and keep your monitor is in your bedroom on the nightstand. The monitor should be kept near where you sleep.

This may depend on the new doctor/clinic’s preferences, however, usually you do not need to get a new monitor.

Maybe – some new devices are still compatible with your old monitor and others may need to be paired with a new monitor. Cardiac RMS Patient Engagement Team can assist with this!

 No, you may see your monitor light up, flash, or it may even beep from time to time. The monitor is likely updating its software, and this is a routine occurrence.

The monitor should remain plugged in at all times, keeping your monitor plugged in is the best way to ensure your monitor is staying connected. However, if you would like to check on the connection status of your monitor, please call Cardiac RMS at 1-844-367-7265 and a Patient Engagement Specialist can assist you and verify that the monitor is connected. Also, the Patient Engagement Team will be alerted when/if your monitor becomes disconnected and will reach out to you to provide assistance in getting the monitor reconnected.

Remote monitors can be “wireless” or “non-wireless.”  Wireless monitors communicate with your implanted device using blue-tooth or wireless technology.  This can be a bedside monitor that sits on your nightstand or, it may be a smart phone. You don’t need to do anything to make the communication happen other than to be near your remote monitor at least once a day.  Non-wireless transmitters require you to sit next to the monitor, put a “wand” over your implanted device and then push a button on the monitor.  In both cases, once the monitor has gathered the information it needs from your device, it will transmit the information to your doctor.

Remote monitoring of CIEDs is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and commercial insurance.  Depending on your insurance plan, you may be responsible for deductibles and co-payments.  The best way to determine this is to call your insurance company and ask about your specific plan.

 If you are experiencing symptoms, you should follow the instructions from your doctor, including calling 911 as needed.  Remote monitoring is NOT an emergency service. 

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