The Particulars: Data indicate that emergency healthcare use is common among patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-Ds). Researchers have hypothesized that remote monitoring of these patients may reduce healthcare use and expenditures when compared with in-office follow-up.
Data Breakdown: For a study, investigators compared emergency and cardiac-related healthcare use and expenditures among more than 5,000 patients with ICDs or CRT-Ds. These patients received follow-up care via in-office visits or remote monitoring. Remote monitoring was associated with fewer emergency room visits and emergent hospital stays for patients with ICDs. Total expenditures for remotely monitored ICD patients were $35,381, compared with $53,806 for counterparts who were monitored solely in the office.
Take Home Pearl: Remote monitoring appears to reduce healthcare use and expenditures among individuals with ICDs when compared with monitoring patients solely in the office.
